Trelleborg Automotive strengthens its global position – launches production in Nizhny Novgorod in Russia
“The size of the Russian automotive market is considerable in terms of production and sales,” says Roger Johansson, President of the Trelleborg Automotive business area. “We believe that the market will recover following a substantial drop in 2008/2009 and will increase strongly. Our assessment is that about 1.5 million cars per year will be produced locally in the next few years. ” “The Russian government has also presented proposals for state investments in the domestic light vehicle industry of USD 21 billion until 2020, which, if implemented, further strengthens our confidence in the Russian automotive industry.” “The largest increase is expected to come from direct foreign investments in the country. Generally, more high-tech solutions will apply in Russian auto production, a trend that is very compatible with Trelleborg’s customer offering.” “We have been active on the Russian market for some time and have now started fully-owned production. The first serial deliveries will be made in mid-2010 and the goal is to reach sales of at least SEK 150 – 200 M within a few years.” “In 2002, Ford was the first of our customers to commence proprietary production in Russia. Other global customers have followed this trend, thus also making it a natural step for us, the most global company in the area of anti-vibration products for light vehicles.” In August 2009, Trelleborg Automotive established a wholly-owned subsidiary in Russia. The production unit is located in Nizhny Novgorod, one of many centers for car production in the country. The largest car producers in Russia are: Renault-Nissan/Avto VAZ, Hyundai, General Motors, Volkswagen, GAZ and Ford. Trelleborg Automotive had approximately 7,900 people at year-end 2009 and sales during 2009 of approximately SEK 8,400 M. The business area is world leader within development and manufacturing of polymer based components and systems used for noise and vibration damping. Trelleborg is a global engineering group whose leading positions are based on advanced polymer technology and in-depth applications know-how. Trelleborg develops high-performance solutions that seal, damp and protect in demanding industrial environments. The Trelleborg Group had annual sales in 2009 of approximately SEK 27 billion, with about 20,000 employees in 40 countries. The Group comprises four business areas: Trelleborg Engineered Systems, Trelleborg Automotive, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions and Trelleborg Wheel Systems. The Trelleborg share has been listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange since 1964 and is listed on the OMX Nordic List, Large Cap. www.trelleborg.com