Mahle Ramos Arizpe & Celaya

During June 2015, Mahle Componentes de Motor de México expanded its Mexican production space by over 52,000m2, with the opening of a 34,000m2 plant in Ramos Arizpe on June 9th, and an 18,000m2 facility in Celaya on June 10th. This development extended Mahle’s global presence of approximately 150 production locations and 2014 sales of over US$11.5 billion. With these two additions to its portfolio, Mahle’s Mexican footprint will increase from ten to twelve production facilities, with an expected increase of almost 10% to its 66,000-strong global workforce by 2019. Mahle is one of the top three global suppliers within three business units manufacturing filtration and engine peripherals, thermal management systems, and engine systems and components. Specific profit centers for the company include small engine components, motorsports and special engines, engineering services, mechatronics, thermostats and valves, and control units and front-end modules. With light vehicle production in Mexico set to increase from 2.8 million in 2013 to 4 million in 2018, Mahle is taking advantage of the opportunity to proactively increase its market share before it becomes saturated.

The new US$19 million Celaya plant will be integrated into the filtration and engine peripherals unit, producing air cleaner systems, air ducts, air intake manifolds and carbon canisters. With this new addition, Mahle has capitalized on a unique chance to serve Audi, BMW, Ford, Mazda, and Toyota, which are all developing thier presence in nearby locations. With Celaya’s initial workforce of 300, demand is expected to create a further 150 jobs by 2019.

The Ramos Arizpe facility, located near Saltillo in northeast Mexico, will constitute part of Mahle’s thermal management unit, which was incorporated by the company’s 2013 acquisition of Behr Group. The plant will supply HVAC modules and heat exchangers for both passenger cars and commercial vehicles. Among the company’s customers are Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Daimler Trucks North America, GM, and Navistar. Employment here is expected to increase from 140 positions to approximately 500 by 2018. The plant is the company’s third base in Ramos Arizpe, adding to a 42,000m2 facility built in 1995, as well as the complementary 22,600m2 liner plant constructed in 2007. From this location, Mahle already services Bombardier, Ford, GM, Nemak, Volvo, and the aftermarket segment, providing almost 2,000 jobs in the area. Ramos Arizpe has been awarded with prestigious recognitions of quality by various OEMs, and is now undergoing a plant expansion that is set to be completed by 2016.