Gabriel India Ltd. will invest 268.3 million rupees (about $3.1 million) to acquire a 51% stake in Jinhap Automotive India Private Ltd. (JAIPL), forming a joint venture with South Korea's Jinos Co. Ltd., Autocar Professional reported July 9. The decision was made during Gabriel India's board meeting on July 9 to manufacture fasteners for the automotive and industrial sectors. With this investment, JAIPL will become a subsidiary of Gabriel India, while Jinos will retain a 49% stake. ...

Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe has completed a major strategic investment at its Duisburg location, marking a significant milestone for Germany's largest steelmaker. The investment, totaling approximately €800 million, includes the introduction of new high-tech facilities such as continuous casting line 4, a modernized hot strip mill 4 with new walking beam furnaces, and a fully automated slab logistics system. These developments are part of thyssenkrupp's effort to modernize and optimize its pr...

According to a press release July 1, Q5D, a robotic cell manufacturer that automates product electrification, is expanding its technical assessment center in Bristol, UK, doubling its resources. This center is crucial for conducting feasibility studies and prototyping by embedding wiring directly into product structures, eliminating the need for separate wire harnesses. The patented process, utilizing a 5-axis manufacturing robot, is particularly sought after in the automotive and aerospace i...

Sona Comstar, India's largest importer of rare earth magnets, plans to begin domestic production of critical components used in electric vehicles in response to mainland China's export restrictions. Mainland China is responsible for about 90% of global rare earth magnet production and has imposed export limitations as a countermeasure to US tariffs. Despite a recent agreement between the US and mainland China to expedite rare earth export approvals, many governments and companies are seekin...

Sekisui Chemical has announced plans to invest in a new manufacturing plant in Chakan, near Pune in Maharashtra, India, to produce injection-molded parts for the Indian automotive market. The Japanese supplier will invest about $3 million in the new facility, its sixth in the country, with the goal of commencing operations by January 2026.  Sekisui Chemical's high-performance plastic company has identified the injection-molding business within the mobility sector as a...

Indian automotive supplier Uno Minda Group announced its plan to invest 2.1 billion rupees (about $24.2 million) in establishing a greenfield aluminum die-casting facility in Sambhaji Nagar, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India, to cater to the increasing demand for electric vehicles, The Hindu Business Line reported June 19. The investment will be carried out in several phases over the next five years, with funding sourced from a balanced mix of internal accruals and debt. The first phase of the p...

TDK Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of TDK Corp., is expanding into the European market, establishing its first office in London. The company has also launched a $150 million multilimited-partner fund named EX1 to support clean technology and sustainable energy solutions in Europe and North America. The EX1 fund will target energy-transformation startups in the Seed and Series A stages. This strategic decision aligns with TDK Ventures' dedication to electrification&nbs...

Nippon Steel Corp. and United States Steel Corp. have finalized a significant partnership, concluding an 18-month process marked by political scrutiny and national security considerations. Under the terms of the $14.9 billion agreement, Nippon Steel has acquired all outstanding shares of U.S. Steel at $55 per share, while U.S. Steel will retain its iconic name and headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The steel produced will continue to be “mined, melted and made” in the US, pr...

Tokai Kogyo, a Japan-based supplier known for manufacturing rubber and resin automotive components, has announced a $5.2 million investment to expand its production lines in Aguascalientes, Mexico. This expansion will occur at Tokai Kogyo’s plant in the Siglo XXI Industrial Park, where the Japanese supplier has been operating since 2014. The announcement was made during a meeting between Tokai Kogyo executives and Aguascalientes Gov. María Teresa Jiménez, who highlighted the state's advan...

Valmet Automotive has completed the expansion of its manufacturing plant in Zary, Poland, which produces convertible roofs and kinematic systems for the automotive market, the Finland-based company said in a press release on June 10. The expansion adds an 8,800-square-meter area to the plant, resulting in a total production area of 26,000 square meters, to meet rising demand from customers. The Zary plant plays a vital role as a technology provider and ...

Posco Holdings, the parent company of South Korea-based steel manufacturer and battery materials supplier Posco Group, has inaugurated a key minerals research center in Perth, Australia. This initiative is part of the group's strategy to gain a technological advantage in advanced materials, which includes steelmaking, battery materials and rare earths. The center aims to enhance low-carbon steelmaking processes and reduce costs in lithium and nickel production. Additionally, it will focus on dev...

Borealis is investing over €100 million to expand its production capacity for Daploy High Melt Strength polypropylene (HMS PP) at its Burghausen facility in Germany. This innovative polymer foam solution aligns with the growing demand for recyclable, high-performance materials in various industries, such as consumer products, automotive, and building and construction. The new production line, set to commence operations in the second half of 2026, will triple the supply capability for fully rec...

Clarios, the largest manufacturer and recycler of low-voltage batteries, announced plans to invest up to $1 billion in a new critical minerals processing and recovery plant in the US. This decision is facilitated by recent executive orders and federal advanced manufacturing tax credits. The initiative is part of Clarios' strategy to enhance the domestic supply of critical minerals, which are essential for national security. The company has conducted preliminary site assessments in Indiana, US...

Kingfa, a mainland China-based company specializing in plastic injection and molding parts, plans to invest $84 million to expand its operations in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. This investment involves building a manufacturing, research and development complex in the Logistik III Industrial Park in the municipality of Villa de Reyes. The planned investment includes $15 million for purchasing a 15-hectare site where the main building and a new warehouse will be built. Kingfa h...

Bosch has launched a new fund worth €250 million through its wholly owned subsidiary, Bosch Ventures. This initiative underscores the Germany-based company's unwavering commitment to investing in startups globally, even in the face of current economic uncertainties. Bosch Ventures will use this fund to target investments in high-growth potential startups in automation, electrification, climate tech, healthcare and software technologies. "Our funding in startups not only foste...

Hyundai Motor Group and Posco Group have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate in the steel and battery sectors, aiming to enhance their global competitiveness. The agreement, signed in Seoul, South Korea, focuses on boosting Hyundai's resilience to the rapidly changing global market and strengthening Posco's position as a supplier of automotive steel and key battery materials. A significant aspect of this collaboration is Posco's planned equity investment in Hyundai ...

Cellasto, a prominent player in noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) components, has announced a significant expansion in the Chinese market with an investment of approximately €60 million to establish a second plant in Shanghai. This new facility is set to cater to the rapidly growing electric vehicle market in China and is expected to increase production capacity by nearly 70% when operations begin in 2027. A ceremony was held on April 14 to mark the commencement of this expansion. Martin...

Fuyao Glass Industry Group, a mainland China-based automotive glass supplier, has announced plans to invest $400 million in expanding the production capacity of its float glass plant located in Decatur, Illinois. The company will invest in a new production line to meet the growing demand for high-quality float glass for Fuyao Glass’ auto glass factory in the US to ensure raw material availability and reduce operational costs. The Decatur plant has annual capacity to produce 280,000 metric tons...

BASF's Coatings division has announced the completion of a significant expansion to its polyester and polyurethane resin production capacity at the Caojing plant in Shanghai. Originally launched in 2015 with the capacity to produce 8,000 metric tons annually, the plant's capacity has now more than doubled to 18,800 metric tons per year. This expansion is aimed at supporting the growing market demands within the automotive industry in China and the broader Asia-Pacific region. In addition to the ...

Kobe Steel has registered a joint venture company in mainland China for producing automotive aluminum panels. This development came after receiving approval from regulatory authorities in Japan and mainland China, following an agreement signed on Aug. 8, 2024, with Baoshan Iron & Steel Co. Ltd. and Baowu Aluminum Technology Co. Ltd., subsidiaries of China Baowu Steel Group. The JV aims to integrate continuous heat treatment and finishing lines for aluminum panels to cater to the increasing d...

UVeye, a leading company in AI-driven vehicle inspection technology, has recently announced a substantial funding round amounting to $191 million, elevating its total capital raised to $380.5 million. This funding, a mix of equity and debt, aims to support UVeye's rapid growth in response to the increasing global demand for its innovative vehicle inspection systems. The company is on the verge of scanning 1 million vehicles every month, indicating its strong position in the industry. The fund...

Indian auto component supplier Sundaram Clayton Ltd. (SCL) has inaugurated a new die-casting facility in Thervoy Kandigai, near Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, Autocar Professional reported Feb. 1. The facility will manufacture aluminum die-cast components, including engine parts and structural elements specifically designed for electric vehicles, incorporating digital manufacturing to cater to both local and global markets. SCL has also expanded its US operations with the successful commissionin...

Bridgestone has announced its plans to construct a pilot demonstration plant for the precise pyrolysis of end-of-life tires at its facility in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. The plant, set to commence operations in 2027, is aimed at showcasing technology for the chemical recycling of tires, specifically to extract tire-derived oil and recovered carbon black. This initiative is part of Bridgestone's strategy outlined in its midterm business plan (2024-2026) for sustainable growth and aligns w...

Toyota Kentucky has announced a significant investment of $922 million to construct a new advanced paint facility, emphasizing the company's dedication to US manufacturing, environmental sustainability and stable employment. This state-of-the-art facility, set to open in 2027, aims to enhance operational efficiencies, diminish environmental impacts and improve the quality of vehicle finishes. The addition will expand the plant's capacity by 1 million square feet, while targeting a 30% re...

Shanghai Electric has announced the construction commencement of Nedschroef's second automotive fastener factory located in Tarragona, Spain. This new factory is part of a strategic move to bolster Nedschroef's production capabilities and operational efficiency within Europe, aligning with a three-year action plan aimed at optimizing its production capacity. The establishment of this factory in Tarragona, a key city in northeastern Spain, signifies Shanghai Electric's ongoing commitment to th...

Dongfeng Motor has launched a project to enhance its capabilities in manufacturing car body parts for new-energy vehicles (NEVs). The automaker has introduced what it claims to be the world's largest integrated die-casting machine, a 16,000-metric-ton giant, to produce chassis components and battery housings for NEVs, according to China Daily. The advanced die-casting technology, more widely known as gigacasting, simplifies the manufacturing process by merging hundreds of auto parts into a si...

Sabic, a globally diversified chemicals company, has inaugurated its new ULTEM resin manufacturing facility in Singapore with an investment of S$220 million (US$170 million). This marks Sabic's first advanced specialty chemical production unit in the region that focuses on producing ULTEM resin, a high-performance thermoplastic. The establishment of this facility aligns with Sabic's strategy to boost its global production of ULTEM specialty resin by over 50%, aiming to mee...

Amara Raja Energy and Mobility Ltd. is set to begin commercial operations at its new lead acid battery recycling plant in Tamil Nadu, India, by the end of November. This move is part of the company's strategy to increase the use of recycled lead sources in its manufacturing processes. The plant, which is a project of subsidiary Amara Raja Circular Solutions located in Cheyyar, Tamil Nadu, aims to eventually meet 25-30% of Amara Raja's overall raw material needs. The facility, with an initial ...

Automotive component supplier Schaeffler AG has opened a state-of-the-art technology center at its headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany, the company announced on October 30. Schaeffler said the company has invested around €90 million in constructing the technology center, which was completed on schedule in two years and five months. The all-new technology center is spread across an area of more than 18,000 square meters and aims to bring together core areas of expertise in materials scie...

Benteler Group, a prominent entity in the automotive sector, announced a significant investment in its Spartanburg, SC, plant, aiming to bolster its automotive manufacturing capabilities. This investment, which falls in the mid-double-digit million dollar range, is allocated for upgrades and the modernization of the plant's machinery and equipment. The objective behind this financial outlay is to enhance the efficiency of the production and assembly facilities at the Spartanburg site, which h...

Niron Magnetics, recognized as the sole producer of rare earth-free permanent magnets, has inaugurated its commercial pilot plant in Minneapolis. This pioneering facility focuses on crafting a sustainable alternative to rare earth permanent magnets, which are pivotal in various sectors including electric vehicles, wind energy and consumer electronics. Slated to begin operations in 2026, the Sartell, Minn., facility aims to produce 1,500 metric tons of rare earth-free magnets per year t...

Dutch company AMG has inaugurated the first lithium refinery plant in Europe, situated in the eastern German region of Bitterfeld-Wolfen. The new facility is poised to produce 20,000 metric tons of battery-grade lithium hydroxide annually, which is estimated to meet the battery supply needs of approximately half a million electric vehicles. This refinery marks the first step, with plans to extend the site's capacity to 100,000 metric tons annually through an additional four modules. “With t...

The White House has selected Monroe Capital to launch a dedicated fund to help automotive suppliers in the US. The Drive Forward Fund will aim to raise up to $1 billion to invest in small and medium-sized companies that play a pivotal role in fueling growth and innovation in the US automotive industry. The Drive Forward Fund will target suppliers and manufacturers including those offering software as a service (SaaS) and other technological solutions catered to the automotive sector. Beyond i...

Lingyun Industrial, a mainland China-based supplier of automotive lightweight structural parts, has invested €55 million into its struggling German subsidiary, Waldaschaff Automotive, Yicai Global reported Sept. 12. This investment aims to reduce Waldaschaff's debt burden and operational challenges. The financial boost from Lingyun is intended for debt repayment at Waldaschaff, in hopes of bolstering confidence among the subsidiary's customers and suppliers. This move is also expected to he...

Posco International Corp. (Posco) has entered into a binding agreement to invest US$40 million in Black Rock Mining Ltd., a move that will be executed through two tranches. The first tranche involves a A$9.0 million investment in 155.3 million shares at a price of 5.8 Australian cents per share, which will elevate Posco's stake in Black Rock from 10.1% to 19.99%. The subsequent tranche will match the investment terms of other investors in the final equity raising for building Module 1 ...

LG Chem has opened a new customer solution (CS) center in Ravenna, Ohio, the US, to offer personalize support to its customers in North America, the South Korean supplier said in a press release on August 29. The center will offer technical solutions for product development, quality improvement and productivity enhancement for LG Chem’s customers and suppliers. “We believe our customers are at the core of our business,” said Shin Hak-Cheol, CEO of LG Chem. “We are committed to improvi...

Proton, a Malaysian national carmaker, has broken ground for its new stamping facilities — E and F-Line — at its Tanjong Malim, Malaysia, location. This move comes as part of a plan to transfer the production of the Proton Saga from Shah Alam, Malaysia, by 2026. An investment of RM253 million (about $54 million) is allocated for this expansion, catering to the anticipated increase in production volumes and the introduction of new models. This initiative follows the earlier expansio...

Novem has expanded its manufacturing plant in Querétaro, Mexico, Mexico Now reported July 22. The Germany-based company, which specializes in decorative trims for automotive interiors, reportedly invested “millions of US dollars” in the capacity expansion that has created 180 new jobs. The plant's expansion was showcased during a facility tour with the Head of the Ministry of Sustainable Development (SEDESU) of Querétaro Marco Antonio Del Prete Tercero, revealing its specialization...

Henkel India has successfully completed Phase III of capacity expansion at its Kurkumbh manufacturing facility, near Pune, in Maharashtra, India, Autocar Professional reported July 17. The facility, initiated in 2020, is dedicated to addressing the increasing demand for high-performance adhesive, sealant and surface treatment solutions from various industries in India. Specifically, the facility will cater to the needs of the manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), and automo...

Eramet has marked a significant advancement in its journey toward metals essential for the energy transition by inaugurating the Centenario Phase 1 lithium carbonate production plant in Argentina. The ceremony, witnessed by influential figures including Gustavo Saenz, the governor of Salta Region, Argentina; and various national and international representatives; signified the commencement of the plant's operations. This industrial venture is run by Eramine, a joint venture bet...

Ford Motor Co. is in advanced discussions about a $400 million investment to establish a component manufacturing facility in Kentucky, US, dedicated to supporting the production of electric vehicles. This development was shared by Ray Leathers, CEO of the Shelby County Industrial & Development Foundation, highlighting that the potential site is poised to support a unicast aluminum forming process crucial for EV manufacturing. Shelby County, Ky., where the facility would be located, is in ...

Minth has unveiled a major expansion plan in the Mexican city of Aguascalientes, which includes a $57 million investment that will create an additional 1,200 jobs to enhance the company's Metals division. Minth Mexico Public Relations and Administration Manager Manuel Ando Camacho indicated that this investment supplements a previously announced investment of $173.5 million and 1,600 jobs intended for the expansion of the company's plastics and battery box units. Furthermore, Ando h...

In a press release dated June 28, Shape Corp. announced that it has inaugurated its second facility in Tanner, Ala. This new location within Southpoint Industrial Park spans 202,306 square feet and is projected to generate over 100 new jobs within the next year. The new facility in Tanner specializes in producing lightweight aluminum and steel crash management and structural components for the automotive industry, incorporating technologies such as roll forming, aluminum and steel welding to ...

LyondellBasell has announced the inauguration of a new production line at its Dalian, mainland China, facility within the company's Advanced Polymer Solutions (APS) business segment. This addition, which represents the second production line at the Dalian site, aims to cater to the burgeoning demand in the automotive industry by producing a variety of high-performance polypropylene (PP) compounds. With an annual capacity of 20,000 metric tons, this expansion effectively doubles the site's pro...

Trinseo, a specialty material solutions provider, has inaugurated its new polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) depolymerization pilot facility in Rho, Italy, the company said in a press release on June 26. The new facility is a significant step in Trinseo’s commitment to sustainability and its goal to achieve circular infrastructure for acrylic solutions. “We are thrilled about the opening of our depolymerization facility, which will help advance our goal to support a circular economy,” said ...

On June 12 Ensinger announced an expansion of its production capabilities for thermoplastic composites with the addition of a new high-performance double belt press at its Rottenburg-Ergenzingen site in Germany. This investment is aimed at boosting the company's production capacity in its Composites division to meet the growing global demand for thermoplastic composites efficiently. The double belt press, manufactured by Austrian plant maker Berndorf Band Engineering, features a modular desig...

In a regulatory filing on BSE, Bharat Forge, a supplier of aluminum parts for the automotive parts, announced that it has invested $40 million in its fully owned subsidiary, Bharat Forge Aluminum USA Inc. (BFAL). The investment will be used as BFAL’s capital expenditure for aluminum forging facility. BFAL was incorporated in the State of North Carolina, USA on September 27, 2019, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bharat Forge America Inc. and therefore a wholly owned step-down subsidiary ...

In a press release dated June 3, Covestro announced that it has invested a mid-single-digit million-euro amount in Netherlands-based BioBTX. Through the investment, Covestro is facilitating the construction of the world's first demonstration plant for the BioBTX ICCP-Technology in the Netherlands. This technology allows for the production of chemicals such as benzene, toluene and xylene from organic and mixed plastic waste, which are key components in the chemical industry and are used...

Posco has broken ground on two new plants dedicated to nickel and precursor production in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. According to a report by The Korea Herald on May 31, the nickel refining plant will process nickel matte supplied by CNGR to produce nickel with approximately 99.9% purity. The plant's annual production capacity is estimated to be 50,000 metric tons, sufficient for about 1.2 million electric vehicles. According to the report, a total of 1.5 trillion won (ab...

POSCO Group has completed the construction of a silicon anode material (SiOx) plant with an annual capacity of 550 tons at the Yeongil Bay Industrial Complex in Pohang, South Korea, the compnay announced in a press release May 20. The newly constructed facility is operated by POSCO Silicon Solution. The plant will focus on the downstream process of the SiOx production line, establishing a system that can swiftly respond to customers' needs for silicon anode materials. POSCO Silicon Solut...

India-based automotive supplier, Samvardhana Motherson International (SAMIL) has earmarked 20 billion Indian rupees ($599 million) as capital expenditure for the current financial year, an increase of 25% over the previous financial year, Autocar Professional reported June 1, citing a senior company official.  Of this total, the company will invest 20 billion rupees in setting up six new greenfield facilities across India, mainland China and Poland. "This is over and above the 12 that we...

Turkey-based Mata Automotive has opened a new plant in Aguascalientes in Mexico, according to a press release dated May 24. The company invested $30 million in the new plant, which will produce components for automakers operating vehicle assembly plants in the country. The investment will create 400 new jobs. “Through this plant, we are not just creating jobs or transferring technology; we are building bridges of mutual understanding and respect that transcend national borders. This is a cl...

Siete Leguas Automotive has invested in its second manufacturing plant in Mexico to produce aluminum automotive components, Mexico Now reported on May 23. The company invested $53.8 million in the new plant, located in Gómez Palacio, in the state of Durango. The investment will create 300 new jobs. Founded in 2018, Siete Leguas Automotive is owned by Grupo Siete Leguas (GSL), a major manufacturer and exporter of garments in Mexico. Although Siete Leguas Automotive is relatively new, the comp...

PPG will invest $300 million in a new manufacturing plant in the US to support the growing demand of automotive paints and coatings, the company said in a press release May 21. The company will establish the new plant in Loudon County, Tenn. Construction of the 250,000 square-foot plant will commence in August and is expected to be complete in 2026. Once fully operational, the plant will produce more than 11 million gallon of paints and coatings annually. Initially, the plant will produce pai...

BASF's coatings division has announced the expansion of its e-coat manufacturing facility at its Mangalore, India site, in response to the growing demand from automotive manufacturers in India and Southeast Asia. With this expansion, BASF will be able to manufacture the latest generation of e-coat products, including CathoGuard 800 RE, which offers improved efficiency and reactivity for electric vehicles. E-coat, also known as electrophoretic or cathodic dip coating, is used to protect car ...

South Korean companies LG Energy Solution (LGES) and Pocso plan to cut down their battery investments to steer through the decelerating global demand for electric vehicles, according to a news report published by The Korea Times on April 26. The report cited statements by both the companies. The report said that LGES plans to lower its capital expenditure in 2024 in order to improve profitability. The move comes after South Korea’s largest battery-maker announced a 75% year-over-year dec...

Martinrea International has announced that it led a financing round for Equispheres Inc., acquiring convertible preferred shares worth $6 million, in a press release dated April 23. This is the second investment the company has made in Equispheres, following a C$1 million investment in April 2023. Equispheres' technology helps lower the cost of additive manufacturing in automotive to the point where the production of 3D printed automotive components at scale is possible. “Equispheres is ...

Uno Minda has announced the groundbreaking ceremony for its upcoming greenfield passenger vehicle alloy wheel plant at IMT Kharkhoda in Haryana state, India, Business Standard reported on April 10. The plant will have a capacity to produce 120,000 wheels per month. The company has announced a capital outlay of 5.42 billion rupees (about $65 million) to set up the plant in a phased manner over the next five years. Phase 1 is expected to be commissioned in the second quarter of fiscal year 2026. ...

Nexeon has broken ground on its first commercial-scale production facility in Gunsan, South Korea, it said in a press release dated April 3. The plant is expected to begin delivering silicon anode material starting in 2025, fulfilling a previously announced binding supply agreement with Panasonic. The site is situated adjacent to chemical company OCI's facilities, which enables a fenceline supply of silane, a critical raw material, and ensures capital efficient scaling for both companies...

Covestro has unveiled its first plant for polycarbonate copolymers that can produce high-quality plastics on an industrial scale at its Antwerp site in Belgium, according to a company press release dated March 27. The new production process enables the company to offer a broad portfolio of material innovations. The new proprietary platform technology is based on a solvent-free melt process in combination with a new reactor concept. These polycarbonates with adjustable properties have bee...

Hinduja Tech Ltd. (HT), a mobility-focused global engineering research and development services company and a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland, has announced the signing of a definitive agreement for private equity firm Creador to invest $50 million, subject to the completion of customary closing conditions. Creador will acquire 19.6% shareholding in the company, HT said in a press release on March 14. The company said this fresh capital infusion will allow it to augment its existing capabilities ...

Lohum, a battery recycling and repurposing firm, has raised $54 million in Series B funding from various venture firms, including Singularity Growth, Baring Private Equity, Cactus Venture Partners and Venture East, Autocar reported March 13. The funds will be used to accelerate the company's international expansion, hire top professionals from India and expand its operations in North America, the EU, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. "The funds will expedite our international expansion, ...

Japanese steelmaker Nippon Steel announced an investment of $71.3 million to set a new plant to produce automotive steel components. The plant is located in the municipality of Apaseo El Grande, Mexico, at proximity to Japanese automaker Toyota's assembly plant. It is likely to create 200 new direct jobs. According to Directorio Automotriz, the new plant will produce 120,000 metric tons of automotive steel sheets per year for electric vehicles in four production lines. Nippon Steel already...

India’s major automotive supplier, Brakes India, announced an investment of $70 million in Mexico. The investment is expected to create 700 jobs, thanks to the construction of a new smelting plant in the state, Mexico Now reported March 4. Brakes India Managing Director Sriram Viji highlighted that the company is a leading figure in the production of braking systems and the casting of iron components for vehicles. He further explained that the project will be developed in two phases, estima...

Posco International, a subsidiary of Posco, has announced global expansion of its Motor Core business through the construction of new plants in Poland and Mexico. The company's new president, Lee Kye-in, has approved the expansion plan, which includes the establishment of a global production cluster for motor cores in five countries. The Polish plant, located in the city of Brzeg in southwestern Poland, will serve as a bridgehead for the Motor Core business in Europe and will be built on a 10...

Leading paints and performance coatings maker AkzoNobel announced the complication of a major capacity expansion at its Powder Coatings site in Como, Italy, which the company says will help secure supply to customers across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). The company in a Feb.13 press release said a total of four new manufacturing lines are now operational following the €21 million project – two of them dedicated to automotive primers and two to architectural coatings. New bon...

Spanish automotive metal supplier Gestamp has announced that it is planning to construct a new facility near the General Motors Orion plant in Michigan, US. The proposed plant will be spread across a 460,000-square-foot area in Macomb County, Mich. This facility would employ 390 workers and feed material directly to the GM Orion plant, GM Authority reported Feb. 6, quoting a report from Crain’s Detroit Business.  Once completed, the facility will feature up to 450,000 square feet of ma...

Sonichem is leading a £600,000 Innovate UK-funded consortium to revolutionize the automotive industry with sustainable, bio-based materials, it said in a press release dated Jan. 30. The company began its Carbon-neutral Agroforestry-derived Resins to Materials for Automotive applications (CARMA) project in October 2023, in collaboration with an international consortium of industry leaders. The company received about £600,000 in funding through Innovate UK’s "Resource efficiency for materi...

Cambodian and Chinese officials have signed a memorandum of understanding under which they plan on investing $1 billion in joint rubber and tire projects, Khmer Times reported Jan. 16, citing a report from the European Rubber Journal. The parties aim to “jointly strengthen a number of priority projects,” the Cambodia Development Council said of the agreement. China’s National Centre for Research on Rubber & Tire Engineering Technology (NERCRAT) added that the state investment agency...

Livent Corp. has acquired a minority stake in direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology company ILiAD Technologies, it said in a press release dated Dec. 14. The company is affiliated with EnergySource Minerals. The investment will enable ILiAD to commercialize and develop its ILiAD technology platform, which uses an advanced adsorbent to concentrate and treat lithium-laden brines from various sources, including salars, produced water and geothermal brine operations. ILiAD’s technology...

Rehau has inaugurated its third plant in Apaseo el Grande, Guanajuato, in Mexico. The company invested $25 million on establishing the plant, according to a report by Mexico Now on Dec. 12. It is expected to create 200 new jobs, solidifying the company's 30-year presence in the region. Rehau specializes in polymer transformation and employs about 20,000 people across 54 countries. The company exports its products to the US and Canada. “The state of Guanajuato has already accumulated more...

Nifco South India Manufacturing, a group company of Nifco Korea, will set up a new automotive plastic components manufacturing plant in Karnataka, India, Autocar reported Dec. 1. According to the report, Nifco entered into an memorandum of understanding with the government of Karnataka to invest 2.88 billion rupees (about $34.5 million). The project is expected to create employment opportunities for about 400 people, with 65% of them being women. The company will complete the project ove...

Hota Industrial Mfg. Co. (Hota), a Taiwanese company that produces auto parts for major carmakers such as Tesla, Ford and General Motors, has announced a $99 million investment in a plant in New Mexico, US, its first outside of Asia, according to a Reuters report on Nov. 28. The company's CEO Holly Sheng stated that the decision to invest in the US was a "very natural" choice due to the country's proximity to North America, which accounts for 70% of the company's sales. The company faced chal...

Silbond, a subsidiary of the Germany-based specialty chemicals company Evonik, will expand its production facility in Weston, Mich., according to a press release on Nov. 20. The company will add three jobs and manufacture new products, including high-purity abrasives, and market them to manufacturers of liquid abrasives used in the production of microchips. The project is expected to generate a total capital spending of $7.9 million in 2023 and 2024. Silbond produces chemicals used in the sem...

Eliiy Power and Suzuki Motor have entered into an additional investment and business alliance agreement, according to a company press release on Nov. 14. Suzuki will make an additional investment of ¥10 billion (about $65.9 million) in Eliiy Power and become the largest shareholder with a stake of 21.59%. Additionally, Suzuki will subscribe for ¥15 billion of convertible bond-type bonds with stock acquisition rights issued by Eliiy Power. The entire transaction is expected to be completed b...

DuPont has officially opened a new manufacturing site in Newark, Delaware, US called the Tralee Park Annex to meet growing demand from the semiconductor and industrial sectors, the company press release read on Nov. 6. The facility, which was inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, significantly expands DuPont's Kalrez® perfluoroelastomer parts capacity and features a high-end ISO Class 6 Cleanroom, upgraded manufacturing equipment and optimized facility layout. Brian Ammons, global b...

US-based developer of graphite processing technology Urbix Inc. announced Oct. 30 that it has secured a significant strategic investment from funds managed by Appian Capital Advisory, an investment advisor to long-term, value-focused private capital funds that invest solely in mining and mining-related companies. In addition to the investment in Urbix, Appian Capital has also signed a joint development agreement (JDA) with the former to advance a commercial scale graphite processing faci...

Asahi Kasei has invested in NFW, a US-based startup that produces non-petroleum-based leather alternatives for car interiors, according to a press release dated October 24. NFW has developed a patented leather alternative called Mirum, which is made from natural rubber, natural fibers, plant oils, natural pigments and minerals. The material is more durable than traditional animal-based or synthetic leather products and can replace polyurethane-coated materials without any polyurethane. The st...

According to a press release on October 4, Toray Industries announced that it has decided to expand French subsidiary Toray Carbon Fibers Europe SA’s production facilities for regular tow medium- and high-modulus carbon fibers, according to a press release on October 4. This move will increase annual capacity at the Abidos plant (South West France) from 5,000 metric tons annually, to 6,000 metric tons. Production is expected to start in 2025. Demand for medium- and high-modulus carbon ...

Martinrea, a Canadian company, has inaugurated its seventh plant in Coahuila, Mexico, with an investment of $85 million. The plant, located in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, is the company's second dedicated to stampings in the state and will generate 450 new jobs, Mexico Now reported October 2. Governor of Coahuila Miguel Ángel Riquelme Solís highlighted the state's favorable indicators, including certainty, skilled labor, security and labor peace, which contributed to Martinrea's decision to ...

Automotive engineering, test and development consultancy Horiba Mira has launched its new Driving Simulator Centre at its UK head office in Nuneaton, Warwickshire. It comprises of cutting-edge driver-in-the-loop simulator technology, supported by Horiba Mira's unique engineering service and consultancy, the company said in a press release on September 28. Horiba Mira has invested more than £4 million in the new facility to enable established automotive original equipment manufacturers, new s...

Atlas Materials has raised $27 million in a Series-A funding round, Reuters reported September 29. Investors in the Series-A funding round included the Grantham Environmental Trust and Voyager Ventures. The total funds raised by the startup stands at $33 million. Atlas Materials intends to use the funds for engineering and design work for a plant they plan on building in North America, but admitted that further funding will be needed to actually build the plant. It aims to launch productio...

According to a Reuters report on September 21, Hota Industrial Manufacturing Co. Ltd., a leading supplier to electric-vehicle maker Tesla, is planning to invest $99 million to build its first plant outside of Asia in the US state of New Mexico, the Taiwanese company said September 20, citing greater emphasis on regional production in supply chains. Hota, which makes gears and other auto components primarily in Taiwan, said it would begin construction on the factory in Santa Teresa, NM, n...

Tianqi Lithium has invested $150 million in the Smart joint venture, Yicai Global reported September 14. Smart is a JV between Mercedes-Benz and Geely Holding Group to develop electric vehicles. Tianqi Lithium also signed strategic deals with Mercedes-Benz and Geely. The company will cooperate with Geely on resources, core materials, lithium-battery technology research, lightweight materials for new-energy vehicles and software development. Significance: The investment in Smart repres...

UK-based auto-component maker, Mincer HD (MAT Holdings Inc.) plans to set up in Mineral de la Reforma, Hidalgo, Mexico, with an investment of $70 million. The fresh investment is likely to generate 350 direct jobs and 1,500 indirect jobs in the first stage, Mexico Now reported September 14. This was announced by Carlos Henkel Escorza, head of the Secretariat of Economic Development (Sedeco) of Hidalgo, who welcomed the UK company, which is a world leader in the engineering and manufacturing o...

According to a press release from the Hungarian Investment Promotional Agency dated September 11, PEX Automotive Systems Kft. and Baolong Holdings Europe Kft. has set up a new production site in the Hungarian city of Szigetszentmiklós. In addition to the traditional products of the company, such as brake-wear signals and cables, the plant will also produce e-mobility and intelligent automotive-related products. With an investment of €15 million, the plant will have 35 new jobs. The greenfi...

According to a Reuters report on September 9, China's Gotion High-tech Co Ltd is looking to set up a $2 billion electric vehicle (EV) lithium battery manufacturing plant in Manteno, Illinois, which would create about 2,600 new jobs, quoting the state governor's office Global EV battery makers and automakers have been eyeing the North American market for setting up new manufacturing plants as they look to diversify supply chains and attract incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act. Spea...

Decarbonization Partners announced that it has invested in Ascend Elements, in a press release on September 6. Decarbonization Partners is a partnership between BlackRock and Temasek. Decarbonization Partners led Ascend Elements’ Series D round alongside Temasek and Qatar Investment Authority. “I’d like to thank Decarbonization Partners and our new and existing partners for helping us deliver on our vision of producing sustainable, engineered battery materials at a commercial scale. Our...

Kuntai Co. is set to invest $30 million to establish its presence in Durango, Mexico, Mexico Now reported August 31. The supplier intends on creating 300 new jobs in the region. Kuntai works on design, development, production and sales of soft interiors for vehicles. It is also a key interior supplier to Tesla. Significance: Kuntai’s business partners include Audi, Volvo, GM, Toyota, Nissan and BMW. Kuntai’s products are used for essential interior items such as floor mats, inne...

Indorama Ventures Mobility will invest $35 million in its plant at the Huejotzingo industrial park in Mexico, according to a report by Mexico Now on August 31. The funding will be used for the construction of a new industrial plant to produce airbags. The announcement was attended by Ralf Koehnen, COO of Indorama Venture; Daniel Quiñones, manager of the Huejotzingo plant; Angélica Alvarado Juárez, the municipal president; and company personnel. Significance: While additio...

Redwood announced that it has raised over $1 billion in Series D shares, in a press release dated August 29. The round was coled by Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Capricorn's Technology Impact Fund, with funds and accounts advised by T. Rowe Price Associates Inc. Additional investors included MERS, Caterpillar Venture Capital, Microsoft’s Climate Innovation Fund and Deepwater Asset Management, among others. The company will use the funds to build capacity, expand the domestic batte...

Northvolt has raised $1.2 billion to finance plans for its European and North American expansion, it said in a press release dated August 22. The funding is an extension of the $1.1 billion convertible note signed in July 2022. Investors include Investment Management Corporation of Ontario (IMCO), BlackRock and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments), and Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS). “I’m proud to see our continued effort being recognized by i...

Ford has announced that it is planning on investing C$1.2 billion, along with EcoProBM and SK On, to build a cathode manufacturing facility in Quebec, according to a company press release on August 17. The facility will provide materials for batteries that will be used in Ford’s future electric vehicles. Production is expected to begin in the first half of 2026 with a capacity to produce up to 45,000 metric tons of cathode active materials (CAM) per year. “Ford has been serving cu...

The German automotive component supplier Witzenmann GmbH has opened its newly expanded plant in Apaseo el Grande, Guanajuato, Mexico. With an investment of $14 million, this expansion includes the construction of a new warehouse, service areas and offices, which will allow the company to manufacture high-tech products of a new generation, increasing its production capacity by 100%, a news report in Mexico Now dated August 3 said. The new 3,500-square-meter building will generate 352...

Canadian auto-parts maker Magna International Inc. has geared up to invest $790 million to build three new supplier facilities, two of which will be housed at Ford Motor Co.'s BlueOval City campus in Tennessee, a Reuters report dated July 20 said, quoting a company statement. Magna's facilities will support the production of Ford's second-generation electric truck, according to a company statement. One facility at Ford's campus will make battery enclosures for the truck and a second will...

French startup Enwires has received an equity investment contract by Lotte Energy Materials worth $6.2 million, BusinessKorea reported July 17. Enwires develops silicon nanomaterials for lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems. The funds will be used to set up a plant for the production of battery materials based on Enwires’ silicon-composite material (Si-C series) technology. The plant will be run by a joint operation between Enwires and Lot...

Linamar plans to invest $60 million to purchase special equipment for the production of electric vehicles for its plant in Gómez Palacio, Durango, Mexico. This new investment will create 200 new jobs, Mexico Now reported July 13. The investment will result in the buying of specialized machinery needed for the new EV production lines. This investment not only implies an economic boost for the region but also a contribution to the development of more sustainable and environmentally friendly te...

Jiahua Chemicals is set to invest $20 million for the construction of a new polyurethane-production plant in Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila, Mexico, Mexico Now reported June 16. The facility is expected to be operational by early 2024. The plant will manufacture and supply polyurethane inputs for the domestic automotive industry. Significance: With Mexico being one of the leading producers of polyurethane, Jiahua Chemicals will benefit greatly from the growing demands of the country’s automoti...