Expansion Management

Auto Supplier Opens New Technical Center in Shanghai

June 9, 2014

Global vehicle interiors supplier International Automotive Components (IAC) recently celebrated the grand opening of its Asia headquarters in Shanghai. In addition to housing a technical center, the new 30,000-square-foot headquarters will host many of IAC's Asian operations including the region's Commercial and Administrative activities along with global and domestic design/engineering, procurement, and manufacturing leadership.

"IAC's new Shanghai headquarters allows us to continue delivering unwavering support while underscoring the significance of IAC's global infrastructure, a differentiator that allows us to fully engage and support our customers' growing regional and global vehicle platforms," said IAC CEO James Kamsickas

When IAC was established in 2006, the company had two plants and a technical center supporting the Asia market. Today, IAC has 20 plants and six technical centers established throughout Asia, with the grand opening of the Shanghai headquarters marking IAC's 12^th facility in China. The building currently employs approximately 115 skilled professionals in engineering, administrative and sales roles with projections to eventually employ 150 in support of incremental business growth.

IAC is a global supplier of automotive components and systems, including interior and exterior trim. The company's 2013 Sales were $5.2 billion. Headquartered in Luxembourg, IAC operates 81 manufacturing facilities in 19 countries. The company has approximately 100 total locations in 21 countries, including 22 Design, Technical and Commercial centers, and employs more than 28,000 people globally.

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.