(Plastics Today) -- Rochling Group's (Mannheim, Germany) automotive business will build its seventh U.S. manufacturing site in Akron, OH to support customers Ford Motor Co. and General Motors. Investing "double-digit millions" in the plant, Rochling says the finished campus will include production and storage facilities covering a total of 75,000 ft2. The city of Akron assisted Rochling in site selection, with the new business to be constructed near the Akron Fulton International Airport in the Massillon Road Industrial Park.
Rochling Automotive USA, which has headquarters in Duncan, SC, says it plans to operate the new Ohio facility as a strictly manufacturing location with a lean organizational structure.
Rochling currently supplies systems used by the Chevrolet Cruze Eco and the Ford Focus to reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Once local vehicle production is boosted in 2013, Rochling anticipates that its new facility will employ over 100.
Rochling is planning a new production line for engine and body undershields, including injection molding machines. The presses will also be molding grill shutter systems, a new technology used to improve the aerodynamic properties and heat management and control of vehicles. The company has 55 locations worldwide, with sales exceeding $1.3 billion.