S. China plastics firms struggling, but eye modernization
 Au
Re-evaluating China, from across the Taiwan strait
TAIPEI, TAIWAN (September 30, 2008) -- With costs quickly climbing across the Taiwan strait, many of the island’s companies are reassessing their relationship with mainland China, a region that is
both its biggest market and its fiercest competitor. Plastics News spoke with several Taiwanese firms on the subject at the Taipei Plas show, which was held earlier this month.
Mexican firm building motorcycles from Chinese parts
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO (September 30, 2008) -- Grupo Salinas, a Mexico City-based communications, financial services and retailing giant, has started assembly of Chinese motorcycles at a new US$16
million (109.3 million yuan) plant in central Mexico.
Automotive supplier IAC breaks ground on India plant
DETROIT, MICHIGAN (September 23, 2008) -- International Automotive Components Group (IAC) broke ground earlier this month on a 14,000-square-meter manufacturing and engineering operation in Pune,
India. The plant will manufacture plastic interior components such as instrument panels, cockpits and door assemblies for vehicles for the Indian domestic market.
Mazda process makes plastics parts lighter
HIROSHIMA, JAPAN (September 16, 2008) -- As part of a drive to reduce weight and lessen the environmental impact from cars, Japanese auto maker Mazda Motor Corp. has developed an injection molding
technology that it says mixes supercritical fluids with plastic to reduce resin consumption and lightweight car parts by as much as 30 percent.
Mann+Hummel building fourth facility in China
SHANGHAI (September 16, 2008) — German automotive molder Mann+Hummel GmbH is building a new plant in Shanghai to manufacture filters and filter systems, and plans to make the new plant its
research and development center in Asia.
Chrysler sues consultant over low-cost sourcing project
DETROIT, MICHIGAN (September 16, 2008) -- Chrysler LLC purchasing chief John Campi, fed up with the carmaker´s failed sourcing effort in low-cost countries, including China, is suing Accenture, the
consulting firm hired to find cheaper suppliers.
U.S. molder Fawn Industries closing plant
TIMONIUM, MARYLAND (September 9, 2008) -- Fawn Industries Inc. has closed its Middlesex, North Carolina, plastics molding plant, reflecting a global change that has forced it to move work to
lower-cost regions. Fawn’s end markets include automotive, telecommunications and consumer products.
Polytec buys Peguform, gains access to China
HÖRSCHING, AUSTRIA (September 9, 2008) -- Austrian door panel and headliner maker Polytec Holding AG announced it plans to buy its German rival, Peguform GmbH. If the deal is approved by antitrust
authorities, Polytec will gain access to South America and China.
International Automotive to add global parts capacity
DEARBORN, MICHIGAN (September 2, 2008) -- International Automotive Components Group (IAC) is expanding internationally, breaking ground on two joint venture factories in China and buying a plant near
Liverpool, England. Dearborn-based IAC said it will build the two joint-venture factories in China over the next 12 months. The supplier of plastic interior parts, including door panels, instrument
panels, overhead systems and flooring systems, will break ground for one of the plants late this year and another in early 2009.
Auto suppliers seek edge with automation
 Mengel
A. Schulman seeking buyer for sheet unit
 Gingo
Mann + Hummel bolsters its global automotive reach
 Seipler
Experts: Lighter-weight vehicles mean more composites
TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN (August 26, 2008) -- Consumer demand for smaller, lighter and more-efficient cars is outpacing any standards the U.S. federal government has proposed for fuel consumption
standards. Composites and thermoplastics offer benefits in shedding weight from cars and trucks, which improves gas mileage. And parts consolidation through modular design offers cost savings.
Plastics News was in Michigan to report on the auto industry’s Management Briefing Seminars as experts discussed the many facets of developing more-efficient vehicles.
Jyco Sealing Technology expands use of TPV seals
DEXTER, MICHIGAN (August 26, 2008) -- Jyco Sealing Technologies already has helped lead the shift from rubber to thermoplastics for automotive weather seals. Even as the company expands its existing
business, it is looking to the next wave for thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) seals -- using old tires in new cars and replacing metal cores with less expensive plastic. The company extrudes seals in
Montreal, Quebec, and Guaymas, Mexico, and has a new plant opening soon in the Czech Republic. It also operates joint ventures to make TPV seals in China, Belgium and Japan.
Automakers discuss tooling at industry event
TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN (August 19, 2008) -- Automakers are aware how much the tooling industry is hurting. But that does not mean that tooling companies can expect any sympathy business. Executives
noted that the industry needs to improve its flexibility in creating future products, including adjusting engineering specifics that allow toolmakers to adapt and improve their molds and speed
development.
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