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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Kiekert Expands Development & Manufacturing Hub In Wixom, Michigan

06/21/2016
Kiekert, the technology leader in automotive locking systems, will invest $1 million to expand its U.S. development and manufacturing center in Wixom, Michigan.

The improvements will nearly triple production at the Wixom plant from 350,000 door-latch modules in 2013 to more than 1 million units this year. The expansion adds 15,000 square feet to the now 50,000-square-foot Wixom facility.

According to company officials, In total Kiekert will have invested more than $2.2 million to expand its local test and prototype-development facilities and increase production capacity in the U.S. since 2013.

As the lead engineering and program management center for the NAFTA region, Kiekert's Wixom location and its sister plant in Mexico are responsible for nearly $200 million in annual revenue, a company spokesman said.Kiekert has a market share of 25 percent in the NAFTA region, selling to the U.S. Big Three and other North American auto manufacturers.

"Starting in 1994, Kiekert Wixom became a sought-after partner for R&D in North America," said Mike Hietbrink, General Manager Kiekert USA and Global Sales Director. "We will continue our path of innovation and exploring global mega trends such as autonomous driving, interconnectivity and digital solutions to serve the rising needs of our customers."

Kiekert has more than 20 technology development projects underway with carmakers that could lead to series production in the coming years. Recent projects include the E-Latch, the LED-Latch and the Kiekert i-protect, officials added.

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