Mahle Filter Systems commences series production at Chennai facility

Mahle Filter Systems India has commenced series production of air filter modules for Indian vehicle manufacturers at its manufacturing facility in Chennai. In the medium term, the company plans to produce air filter systems, intake modules, and cylinder head covers with integrated oil mist separation in the new plant. In June, 2010, the ground breaking ceremony for the new plant took place according to Hindu tradition. The building was completed until December, 2010, and the installation of production equipment and basic facilities was finalized by the end of January, 2011. The factory is located at two hour's drive from the harbor of the metropolis of Chennai, formerly known as Madras. In the first step of construction, the factory building has a ground surface of 3,300 square meters. Mahle has already received large-scale orders for these product groups and will supply to automobile manufacturers in the Chennai area out of the plant. Currently, the company employs 80 people in Chennai which will be ramped to approximately 150 in the medium term. The first intake modules and air filters will be dispatched from August, 2011. "The new plant in Chennai will be established as competence center for injection molding. It will play a model role for the other Mahle filter factories in India, as we do no in-house injection molding there so far, apart from overmolded air filter elements in the Gurgaon location," said Prof. Dr. Heinz K. Junker, Chairman of the Management Board of the Mahle Group. "The proximity to the vehicle manufacturers strengthens our position in the Indian market", said Prof. Dr. Junker. The Mahle Group has two business units - Engine Systems and Components and Filtration and Engine Peripherals. Mahle ranks among the top three systems suppliers worldwide for piston systems, cylinder components, as well as valve train, air management, and liquid management systems. The Industry business unit bundles the Mahle Group's industrial activities. These include the areas of large engines, industrial filtration, as well as cooling and air-conditioning systems. The Aftermarket business unit serves the independent spare parts market with Mahle products in OE quality. In 2010, the Mahle Group achieved sales of approximately EUR 5.3 billion (USD 7 billion). The Mahle Group is one of the 30 largest companies in the automotive supply industry worldwide. With its two business units Engine Systems and Components and Filtration and Engine Peripherals, Mahle ranks among the top three systems suppliers worldwide for piston systems, cylinder components, as well as valve train, air management, and liquid management systems. The Industry business unit bundles the Mahle Group's industrial activities. These include the areas of large engines, industrial filtration, as well as cooling and air-conditioning systems. The Aftermarket business unit serves the independent spare parts market with Mahle products in OE quality. In 2010, the Mahle Group achieved sales of approximately EUR 5.3 billion (US$ 7 billion); more than 47,000 employees work at over 100 production plants and eight research and development centers.