Interior auto parts supplier Dakkota Integrated Systems LLC has sold its vehicle lighting and injection molding operation to Eypex Corp., a newly formed Tier 1 auto supplier specializing in magnetic fasteners, latching systems and sensor magnets.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Eypex is the rebranding of Commercial Imports and Assembly (CIA) Inc., a 20-year-old automotive supplier based in Troy, Mich. The new company is a partnership between President Clarence Martin and CEO Robert Granata. Going forward, Holt, Mich.-based Dakkota will become a customer of Eypex, which serves major automakers such as Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Co.
“We are excited about the deal to purchase Dakkota's lighting business that has earned awards from OEMs for product line innovation,” Martin said in a statement.
“We look forward to helping our global customers by delivering the highest quality in lighting and electronic components, and dominating the marketplace as a result of this acquisition,” he added.
A company spokeswoman told Plastics News Dec. 21 that Eypex is consolidating its Michigan operations from Troy, Rochester Hills and Holt to a new facility in Auburn Hills, Mich., that will employ 45 people. No other details on the consolidation or acquistion were provided.
Dakkota is a joint venture between majority partner Rush Group LLC and Magna International Inc. The company, formed in 2001, assembles and manufactures cockpits, door panels, instrument panels and other automotive components.
Dakkota's lighting division includes illuminated front grille emblems, illuminated sill plates, and tailgate and puddle lamps. According to a Dec. 19 news release, the company sold its lighting unit as part of a planned realignment of its product offerings.