Automotive Component Supplier Opens Manufacturing Plant in Romania

Oct. 25, 2012

IAC's plant will support Ford's launch of the new Ford B-Max.

International Automotive Components (IAC) Group on Tuesday opened a new manufacturing facility in Bals, Romania.

Located in Romania's emerging technology region in the province of Olt, the new site is a green field operation employing approximately 250 people.

The Bals manufacturing plant is IAC's 27th in Europe and joins more than 90 IAC locations around the word.

"This investment represents a key milestone for the company's strategy of profitable growth in the European region," said James Kamsickas, IAC Group CEO.

In June 2012, the IAC Bals plant began production to support Ford Motor Co.s nearby assembly facility in Craiova, approximately 25 kilometers from the IAC facility. The IAC facility produces instrument panels, center consoles, rear doors, front door panels and headliners for Ford's new B-Max compact mini MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle).

The Bals facility is IAC's first manufacturing facility to introduce FastKast, IAC's proprietary A-surface material manufacturing process. FastKast incorporates thermoplastic polyolefin and polyvinyl chloride resins in conjunction with IACs advanced process development, which provides enhanced product quality, improved tactile feel and aesthetics on instrument panels and other interior trim components.

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.