07.07.2008

Linamar acquires Welsh manufacturing facility

Linamar, owner of Skyjack the Canadian aerial work platform manufacturer has acquired its first UK production facility, the former Visteon plant in Swansea, south Wales. The facility is a sister plant of the Company's recently acquired Power Transfer Units business in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.

Linamar's chief executive officer, Linda Hasenfratz said: "The facility in Wales offers Linamar deeper market share of our PTU business as well as increased critical mass and content per vehicle in Europe. The location gives Linamar a new springboard into Europe, particularly for engine-related components and modules, given its engine-focused history."

The plan for the 18, 600 square metre (200,000 sq ft) facility is to build the business by introducing new products such as camshafts, fly wheels and connecting rods and other engine components. Linamar says that it intends to make a substantial investment to modernize the plant and update production equipment to take the business forward. The acquisition includes 400 employees.

Ieuan Wyn Jones, Wale's Minister for the Economy and Transport said: "The Welsh Assembly has worked closely with the Linamar Corporation both in Canada and the UK in order to secure the long term future of the former Visteon Swansea facility."

Linamar now operates 38 manufacturing facilities globally, including four other manufacturing facilities in Western Europe, one in Germany and three in Hungary.