TRW’s chassis systems business today officially opened its new world class 35,000 square foot chassis systems manufacturing facility in Rayong, Thailand, which supplies components and actuation to General Motors Corp. for the Zafira, a seven passenger monocab built in Thailand with sales intended for both the domestic and export markets in Europe.
The chassis systems plant was established in 1999 and started production in May 2000. Total investment for the facility was $2.6 million for equipment and information systems. At the same time, TRW celebrates the continued development of the steering and suspension plant previously opened in 1996, also located in Rayong. This established steering and suspension plant, along with the new chassis systems plant, demonstrates TRW’s continued commitment to the region, success in winning business and creation of jobs in the country. TRW employs a total of 79 people at its chassis systems businesses in Thailand.
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“We are proud to be part of the growing Thailand automotive community,” said Mike Lahner, managing director, TRW Automotive ASEAN. “We have applied our expertise in chassis systems supply with a lean manufacturing methodology and best practices to successfully support our customers as the industry continues to grow in Asia Pacific.”
The chassis systems plant supplies four chassis module assemblies delivered sequenced to General Motors Thailand. The four modules include: a front corner brake module, a front cradle/crossmember module including our advanced Electrically Powered Hydraulic Steering system, a pedal box module with actuation, and a rear axle module. General Motors expects to export 90 percent of the volume back to Europe.
TRW is the first in the region to use the Supply-In-Line-Sequence (SILS) delivery system for the chassis components being supplied to General Motors. Therefore, high standards are maintained and TRW has a record of 100 percent on time achievement of established program milestones.
“These plants have opened up new opportunities for the company and its staff,” said Chris Fenton, plant manager, TRW Chassis Systems. “We have hired manufacturing and production staff, integrating the local Rayong workforce into both the chassis module and steering and suspension facilities.”
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By GlobalData“The new chassis systems plant signifies General Motors’ confidence in TRW’s ability to meet the growing demand for their product worldwide,”said Steve Syzdek, customer development director, ASEAN, China and Korea, TRW Chassis Systems. “We have demonstrated our commitment to our customers by these investments.”
The Grand Opening ceremonies will be attended by Richard E. Hecklinger, U.S. Ambassador to Thailand, Dr. Staporn Kavitanon, Thailand Board of Investment Secretary General, and David Cote, president and chief operating officer, TRW Inc.
TRW’s steering and suspension plant in Rayong supplies steering linkage systems to AAT, a Ford/Mazda joint venture, for the Ford Ranger/Mazda Fighter pickup. TRW also operates electronics and engine valve plants in Thailand.
TRW Inc. (NYSE: TRW – news) provides advanced technology products and services for the global automotive, aerospace and information systems markets. The company, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, is one of the world’s largest independent automotive component suppliers. TRW Automotive produces braking systems, steering and suspension systems and aftermarket replacement parts, electronic safety and security systems, occupant restraint systems, engineered fastening systems and engine components. The company’s news releases are available through TRW’s corporate Web site: www.trw.com.
