TIANJIN, China, Oct. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Magna Powertrain, an operating unit of Magna International Inc., continues to expand in China with the construction of a new greenfield manufacturing facility in the Tianjin Airport Economic Area. Magna Powertrain executives were joined today in a ground-breaking ceremony by Tianjin government officials as well as executives from Volkswagen AG and Magna International China.
Volkswagen's most recent purchase order to Magna Powertrain to produce rear axle drives and power take-off units for locally assembled VW and Audi models in China marks the starting point of this approximate $68 million investment (USD). The new facility will be approximately 13,500 square meters and could employ as many as 400 people at full production. Assembly of the first units is anticipated to commence in 2012.
"As our customers expand their manufacturing footprints around the world, we will be there to support them with world-class design, engineering and manufacturing," said Jake Hirsch, President, Magna Powertrain. "The Municipal Government of Tianjin and the Tianjin Airport Economic Area has provided us with the opportunity to set up our new facility in a location which can serve both current and future automotive customers, and we look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with Volkswagen and other organizations in this region."
Magna Powertrain established its first China operation in 2005. Since then Magna Powertrain has grown to three locations in China, including sales and engineering centers in Shanghai and Changzhou and a manufacturing facility in Changzhou.
About Magna Powertrain
Magna Powertrain (www.magnapowertrain.com), an operating group of Magna International, is a global supplier for the automotive industry with full capabilities in powertrain design, development, testing and manufacturing. Complete system integration sets us apart from our competitors, and our innovations make important contributions to the overall performance of vehicles around the world: they improve fuel economy, make vehicles safer and lighter, ensure a pleasurable driving experience, and provide added value to our customers.
In line with increasing environmental pressure, many of Magna Powertrain's innovations focus on electronically controlled technologies, supporting the quest for improved efficiency and reduced emissions. Manufacturing locations, engineering centers, and sales offices are situated close to our global customer base, stretching throughout all regions of the world.
About Magna International
Magna International (www.magna.com) is the most diversified global automotive supplier. We design, develop and manufacture technologically advanced systems, assemblies, modules and components, and engineer and assemble complete vehicles, primarily for sale to original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs") of cars and light trucks. Our capabilities include the design, engineering, testing and manufacture of automotive interior systems; seating systems; closure systems; body and chassis systems; vision systems; electronic systems; exterior systems; powertrain systems; roof systems; hybrid and electric vehicles/systems as well as complete vehicle engineering and assembly.
We have over 104,000 employees in 269 manufacturing operations and 84 product development, engineering and sales centers in 26 countries.
