American Axle & Manufacturing (NYSE: AXL), a global leader in the design, engineering and manufacturing of automotive driveline systems and components, today announced the grand opening of a new manufacturing facility in the industrial area of Viladecans, Spain, just outside Barcelona.
The new facility will support demand and growth from new and current European customers including Renault, BMW, Daimler, Porsche, Audi and Ford. AAM Barcelona produces a complete range of vibration control and damper products including PV bonded dampers, press-in compression dampers, isolation pulleys, in-mould bonded dampers and damped gears.
“AAM’s new Barcelona Manufacturing Facility is a key part of our continued mission to diversify and expand our global customer base and product mix,” said David C. Dauch, AAM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “European automakers are continuing to downsize engines and AAM’s segment-leading products support this mission with technology that helps reduce noise and vibrations in the vehicle.”
The new 15,600 sq.-m. facility located 20 km southwest of Barcelona consolidates two smaller facilities in nearby Gavà and at full capacity will employ nearly 300 associates. It has a lean, efficient production layout and optimized materials flow for components delivery to the lines.
“AAM is a leader in this segment having pioneered the isolation pulley, many types of viscous dampers and damped gears,” said Greg Deveson, President, AAM Driveline. “As production of downsized engines and hybrid applications increases, AAM will support our customers with industry-leading technologies that meet and exceed performance and quality expectations.”
Among others, AAM will produce damped gears for Ford, BMW, Miba and PSA, PV bonded dampers for Audi, Mercedes and FCA, isolation pulleys for Renault and in-mould bonded dampers for Mercedes, Ford and Porsche.
The Catalonia Trade and Investment agency, the INCASÒL and the Consorci urbanístic DeltaBCN supported AAM with this facility expansion.
SOURCE: AAM
