Ontario-based Auto Supplier Opens New Facility in Russia

Aurora, Ontario-based automotive supplier Magna International Inc. recently celebrated the grand opening of its "Technoplast" facility in Kaluga, Russia.

The facility, which is operated by Magna Exteriors and Interiors, covers a production area of 15,000 square meters and employs 200 people, according to the company. Magna expects the workforce to grow to 340 people once the facility reaches full production in 2012.

"The automotive market in Russia plays a significant role in our overall global growth strategy of developing business in key growth markets," said Erwin Winkler, president of Magna Exteriors & Interiors Europe. "As OEMs focus on global expansion, the expectation is that their global suppliers are positioned to support them in all regions of the world."

This new facility, which is integrated into the Kaluga automotive cluster, produces bumpers, front-end modules, radiator grilles (assembly) and instrument panel-beams (assembly) for OEM customers such as Volkswagen/Skoda, PSA and Renault.

"We want to thank the federal and local authorities for their continued support of Magna and their ongoing commitment to the automotive industry in Russia," said Manfred Eibeck, executive vice president of Magna Europe and president of Magna Russia. "Together we are pleased to be able to bring additional jobs and investment to the Kaluga area."

Technoplast is Magna's fifth facility in Russia. The company employs approximately 600 people in Russia and expects to double that number once its new facilities are fully operational.