Novares has introduced new In-Mould Labeling (IML) technology at its factory in Leiria, Portugal, for the surface finishing of plastic parts for the automotive industry.
The factory, which employs around 550 employees, produces complex plastic component systems such as instrument clusters, radio bezels and HVAC bezels for car interiors for customers worldwide, including Faurecia, BHTC, Bosch, Continental, Kostal and Visteon.
The products are highly demanding to manufacture, involving several processes: plastic injection, painting, laser etching, hot stamping and assembly.
The latest addition to the plant's production facilities will allow Novares to meet, in-house, increasing customer demand for tailored, decorative and functional components. The company has invested in equipment for high-pressure forming, trimming and automatic inspection.
Pierre Boulet, CEO of Novares, said: "Novares is continually expanding its in-house capabilities and introducing the latest technologies to ensure we can meet the upcoming needs of our customers. Introducing new technologies provides the best conditions for facing the growing challenges of the automotive market."
