Hella continues rapid growth in Mexico

SAN JOSE, USA & ITURBIDE, MEXICO: Hella has increased the production capacity of its San Jose Iturbide electronics plant this year with a 50,000-square-foot facility expansion.

The expansion will enable Hella to increase production of transmission range sensors and surface-mount technology products. Since opening in 2008, the plant's workforce has grown to over 350 employees. Sales levels for the plant have more than doubled in the past two years. The facility currently operates in a three shift pattern.

Located 155 miles north of Mexico City, the San Jose Iturbide plant produces electronics components for US, Mexican, Brazilian and Argentinean customers as well as for export to Europe.

"Our San Jose Iturbide plant plays an important part in our strategy to meet customers' needs by manufacturing our products close to their facilities," said Samir Gandhi, managing director, Hella Electronics Mexico. "Mexico has become an important automotive manufacturing center not only to supply North America but also Central and South America."

The free trade agreement between NAFTA and Mercosur also contributes to Hella Electronics Mexico's strategic position to support growth in Brazil, he added. Products manufactured at the facility emphasize Hella's commitment to fuel efficiency, including accelerator pedal sensors, vacuum pumps, washer pumps, transmission range sensors, body controllers and surface mount technology subassemblies.

Future products may include actuators for turbo applications, grille shutter actuators, steering angle sensors and lighting electronics products.

The plant currently supplies American, Japanese and German original equipment manufacturers as well as a number of Tier 1 suppliers. It is poised for even greater growth in the next several years based on the production of high-quality, high-technology products for a growing international customer base.

Hella also produces lighting components at two plants in Guadalajara and another one in Mexico City, supplying products to BMW, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Mercedes, Nissan, Volkswagen and others.