Tata Ficosa Automotive Systems Ltd inaugurates world-class manufacturing facility in Pune

New export-oriented unit will offer global auto manufacturers an outsourcing option, leveraging company's strengths to meet customer expectations of cost and performance

6 April 2005

Tata Ficosa Automotive Systems Limited (TFAS), the 50:50 joint venture between Tata AutoComp Systems Limited (TACO) and Ficosa International, Spain, today formally inaugurated its additional manufacturing facility in Hinjewadi, near Pune, India. The new facility will enable Tata Ficosa to supply inner rear view mirrors to global automotive OEMs.

Tata Ficosa's new export-oriented plant at Hinjewadi, Pune was inaugurated by David Friedman, President and Managing Director, Ford India in the presence of Joan Trullen, Deputy Minister for industrial affairs, government of Spain, accompanied by Javier Pujol, Chairman, Ficosa International and Jeevan Mahaldar, Chief Executive Officer, Tata Ficosa Automotive Systems Ltd.

A full-service provider to the auto industry, Tata Ficosa Automotive Systems Limited offers end-to-end solutions for parking-brake, automotive command-and-control, rod-and-cable gear-shifting and washer systems and rear-view mirror systems. The new plant has been recommended for the coveted TS16949 certification within five brief months of operations.

TFAS has two plants at Pune, India, including the new 100-per cent export-oriented unit. Ficosa has deemed the Pune facility as a centre of excellence. Tata Ficosa's domestic and international customers include Brose, Fiat, Ford, General Motors, Hindustan Motors, Honda Siel Cars, Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Motors and Toyota.

D. S. Gupta, Managing Director, TACO, observed: "While this a milestone for Tata Ficosa, I believe the EOU represents TACO's on-going commitment to invest in technology upgradation to offer world-class outsourcing options to auto manufacturers. This development will contribute to TACO's vision of becoming a top 100 auto components manufacturer by the end of the decade."

Javier Pujol, Chairman, Ficosa International, said: "The new facility in Pune further strengthens the capabilities of this centre of excellence for Ficosa. We look forward to the new Tata Ficosa plant playing a key role in our worldwide operations as a centre of excellence."

A recent joint study commissioned by consulting firm McKinsey and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) highlights India as the most favoured country to capitalise on emerging trends that increasingly favour global delivery models in automotive technology development and manufacturing, owing to a skilled workforce coupled with low-cost technology design and manufacturing capabilities.

About Tata AutoComp Systems Ltd (TACO)
Tata AutoComp Systems Ltd (TACO), India, promoted by the Tata Group, provides industry-leading products and services in the area of auto components to global automotive customers including Ashok Leyland, DaimlerChrysler, Fiat, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, John Deere, Mahindra & Mahindra, Piaggio, Tata Motors, Toyota, and Volvo.

The company's capabilities span engineering, manufacturing and supply chain management. TACO has promoted various Strategic Business Units in partnership with leading companies from the global auto component industry. With 14 manufacturing plants, three engineering centres and three export-oriented units, TACO is rapidly expanding its business across a host of areas in auto components, with partners that include Chuo Springs Co, Faurecia, Ficosa, Johnson Controls, Knorr Bremse, Menzolit Fibron, MobiApps Holdings, Nifco, Owen Corning, Sungwoo Hitech, Stadco, Toyo Radiator, Yazaki Corp, and Yutaka Giken. Currently, TACO designs and manufactures a wide variety of components: these include aluminium radiators, brake discs and braking systems, coil springs, control cables, exhaust systems, plastic interior and exterior parts, rear view mirrors, seating systems, SMC parts and wiring harnesses.