Moving on Relocations and expansions

NEWS

MOVINGON

Relocations and expansions across Europe

Exmac Automation moves to new factory

Leading materials handling and automation specialist Exmac Automation Ltd has relocated to a new purpose-designed 44,000 sq ft facility at Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire, UK.

Announcing the move, managing director Gary Sweeney says relocation was essential in order to build on the success of the business following the MacDonald Humfrey Automation (MHA) acquisition in 2010, and to manage future growth. The new site, located just one M5 motorway junction north of the company’s former Worcester factory, will transform Exmac’s manufacturing facilities within a systematically re-planned and re-equipped working environment, which also includes more spacious office accommodation.

Exmac, which is the largest British manufacturer of conveying, materials handling and logistics systems, provides comprehensive turnkey solutions that include design, manufacture, project management, factory assembly and testing, and installation. www.exmac.co.uk

Porsche Consulting opens base in China

With the establishment of a location in China, the Porsche Consulting GmbH management consultancy firm, based in Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany, carries forward its systematic international growth strategy. With headquarters in Shanghai, Porsche Consulting Ltd will be launched at the onset of 2013. After Italy, Brazil and the United States, it will be the fourth foreign branch of the consultancy firm.

“To be present with our own office in Shanghai allows us to provide support to current and future clients in China and other countries in the Far East far better and even more directly,” says Eberhard Weiblen, president and CEO of Porsche Consulting GmbH. In Asia, Porsche Consulting is focusing primarily on the automotive industry, aeronautics and space as well as machine building. www.porscheconsulting.com

Rolls-Royce expands in Japan

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has announced that a strong interest in the company’s super luxury cars has resulted in the marque opening increased retail space in Tokyo and a new presence in Osaka, in addition to an upgraded showroom in Yokohama.

The CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, visited both Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Tokyo and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Yokohama and also oversaw the opening of a new, expanded showroom at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Tokyo.

Paul Harris, regional director, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Asia-Pacific said: “In 2011 Japan matched 2010’s sales result, a remarkable achievement considering the challenging market conditions.” www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com

New Audi plant in Mexico

Audi will build its new plant on the American continent in San José Chiapa, in the State of Puebla, Central Mexico. The new plant marks a major milestone in the growth required in Audi’s Strategy 2020.

Site conditions, logistics links, infrastructure, well-qualified employees and living quality – these were the decisive criteria for the choice of location. “The production site in San José Chiapa meets various key requirements of our global growth strategy and we can step up our activities in American markets,” said Rupert Stadler, chairman of the board of management of AUDI AG. The chosen location is an ideal base from which to supply international markets from Mexico. He continued: “We are delighted that the Mexican government and the state of Puebla are so supportive of our project.”

Audi will build the successor to its current Audi Q5 SUV model at its Mexican plant, with a planned annual output of 150,000 units. Production is scheduled to begin in 2016. www.audi.com

PNA boosts Ouistreham terminal with €20m investment

Under the supervision of port owner PNA, the first phase of the Ouistreham ferry terminal’s extension and redevelopment has been completed successfully, at a cost of €16 million. When the second phase (worth €3 million), supervised by Caen-Normandy Chamber of Commerce & Industry, is finished, the new facility will be greatly improved: it is due to be fully operational at some stage in the autumn of 2012.

The Ouistreham cross-Channel ferry terminal has provided a link between north-western France and the UK since 1986. In the space of 26 years, the Caen-Ouistreham port has become the leading Channel crossing west of the Strait of Dover, handling both passengers and goods in large numbers.

Completion of the project will lead to a range of improvements to the terminal’s facilities and functionalities. Parking facilities for unaccompanied trailers and heavy-goods vehicles (HGVs) will be doubled to 280 places, and the process of loading and unloading vehicles will be optimised and made more secure. www.ubifrance.com/uk/