Tenneco Automotive Increases Production In Poland

Compiled ByTravis Hessman Tenneco Automotive Inc. has recently acquired a manufacturing facility in Gliwice, Poland, that further expands the company's presence in Eastern Europe. Set to begin manufacturing by the third-quarter of 2001, the $20 million factory will produce shock absorbers for European-based vehicle manufacturers. The move is part of the Lake Forest, Ill.-based Tenneco's long-term strategy to expand its global capabilities through niche acquisitions, joint ventures, and strategic alliances. "This new facility will add capacity as we project further growth in the ride control business across the region," comments Richard Sloan, managing director for Tenneco Automotive Europe. Poland, he continues, was chosen for its, "lower labor and operating costs and highly attractive investment conditions offered by the Katowice special economic zone." This new facility joins the $3.5 billion manufacturer's neighboring exhaust aftermarket plant in nearby Rybnik, Poland. Tenneco employs a total of 23,000 workers worldwide.