TI Automotive has inaugurated its fuel tank systems factory in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, where it will produce low-emission, plastic fuel tanks, pumps and modules for the Nissan Micra, Note and Versa vehicles. It is the company’s sixth manufacturing location and first fuel tank production facility in Mexico.
“Our strategy is to locate our production facilities close to our customers, which enables us to provide advanced, high-quality fluid storage, carrying and delivery technology everywhere in the world,” said Bill Kozyra, chairman, CEO and president of TI Automotive. “With the high concentration of vehicle manufacturing in Mexico and the facility’s central location, we are capable of producing fuel tank systems for every automaker in the country.”
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TI Automotive currently has 24 fuel tank manufacturing and 11 pump and module systems production facilities worldwide.
Within the 83,500-square-foot San Luis Potosi facility, TI Automotive has established a self-contained production line to produce complete tank systems. Fuel pumps and modules will be produced in a 3,200-square-foot clean room, free of static and dust, and welded into the fuel tank shells shortly after the blow-moulding process.
Currently, the San Luis Potosi facility has 20 employees and one assembly line, but it has capacity for three lines and 200 employees at full production. Full-scale production on the first program is expected by May 2011. TI Automotive has planned for future zero-emissions fuel tank production, as well.
Fuel modules being produced at San Luis Potosi contain the most advanced fuel pump and level sensor technology available. The modules feature TI Automotive’s award-winning, high-performance DCSS fuel pump, along with its new sealed level sensor, both of which are flex-fuel compatible.
With the global push toward improved fuel economy and reduced emissions, plastic fuel tanks are rapidly replacing steel due to several key advantages: significant weight reduction and packaging flexibility; equal or better emissions levels; internal component integration and long-term durability benefits.
With changing engine technology, such as downsize and boost, fuel pumps are challenged to provide maximum flow and pressure at greater efficiency, in varying fuels. TI Automotive has developed fuel pumps in multiple sizes, configurations and materials for gasoline, diesel and flex-fuel applications that meet the stringent demands.
