AAM opens new manufacturing facility near Barcelona
October 17, 2019
American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (AAM), Detroit, Michigan, USA, has announced the official opening of its new 15,600 m2 manufacturing facility, located 20 km south west of Barcelona in Viladecans, Spain. The new facility is said to offer a lean, efficient production layout and optimised materials flow.
According to the company, the new manufacturing facility consolidates two smaller facilities in nearby Gavà, and at full capacity will employ nearly 300. It is expected to support demand and growth from new and current European customers including Renault, BMW, Daimler, Porsche, Audi and Ford.
AAM Barcelona produces a range of vibration control and damper products including PV bonded dampers, press-in compression dampers, isolation pulleys, in-mould bonded dampers and damped gears. The company will produce damped gears for Ford, BMW, Miba and PSA; PV bonded dampers for Audi, Mercedes and FCA; isolation pulleys for Renault; and in-mould bonded dampers for Mercedes, Ford and Porsche.
“AAM’s new Barcelona Manufacturing Facility is a key part of our continued mission to diversify and expand our global customer base and product mix,” stated David C Dauch, AAM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “European automakers are continuing to downsize engines and AAM’s segment-leading products support this mission with technology that helps reduce noise and vibrations in the vehicle.”
Greg Deveson, President, AAM Driveline, commented, “AAM is a leader in this segment having pioneered the isolation pulley, many types of viscous dampers and damped gears. As production of downsized engines and hybrid applications increases, AAM will support our customers with industry-leading technologies that meet and exceed performance and quality expectations.”
