Expansion Management

Automotive Supplier Opens New Plant in Russia

May 15, 2014

“The Russian market also offers enormous potential for growth," said Dr. Karl Krause, chairman of the bard of of Kiekert AG.

Adrienne Selko

Kiekert AG, based in Heiligenhaus, Germany ,became the first international supplier to establish a production facility in Russia specializing in automotive locking systems, with its announcement this week that it has opened a new plant in Naberezhnye Chelny in the republic of Tatarstan.

The company said the move is part of its global strategic plan. "With our move into the largest Eastern European market, Kiekert has laid another milestone in establishing the necessary customer proximity and in differentiating the key competitive factors of quality, flexibility and innovative power through services specifically tailored to local conditions,” said Dr. Karl Krause, chairman of the bard of of Kiekert AG. “The Russian market also offers enormous potential for growth."

The automotive supplier identified the potential of the Eastern European market 20 years ago and established a production plant in the Czech Republic.

The company has production plants in five countries, and has a global market share of 20%.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.