Driven by electronic innovation Meta System

development of lightweight products and vertical integration potential as the region offers attractive labour rates and investment opportunities, as well as being a good location for transportation and logistics.

The company supplies ‘all the car manufacturers in Europe’ and, as such, has a strong understanding of the changing face of the automotive industry. In addition to its existing European manufacturing facilities, Lear is making considerable investments in what it sees as positive market conditions in Russia. A company spokesperson said, “We see Russia and North Africa as important geographical areas for business development, and they are key areas of investment. We have invested well over €30m in Russia alone, with funds put into factories for seat manufacturing, wire harnesses and electronics. Our two new Russian factories will give us 23,000m2 of impressive technologically advanced manufacturing space.”

The two core divisions at Lear Corporation are the seating systems division and the

electronic systems division, both of which work closely together to deliver carefully designed and manufactured solutions to the global automotive industry. The battery chargers produced by Lear are designed to offer a viable backup for electric vehicle owners as second and third batteries are needed to sustain their electric vehicle usage. Available in 12, 24 and 48 volts, the batteries represent a key market for Lear now and in the future.

Having spent considerable time and resources during the recession in ensuring that its product portfolio is adapted to the changing demands of the automotive industry, Lear is looking stable. It continues to make the exceptional quality car seats and structures, mechanisms, foam, trim covers and electrical components upon which it has built its reputation, with all of the European car manufacturers working alongside it to ensure partnerships are mutually beneficial as the automotive industry continues to pick up.

“But what we’re especially excited about is our significant growth expectations for our involvement with the electric and hybrid vehicle market, particularly as it sits closely with our ongoing commitment to offering environmentally responsible solutions,” adds the spokesperson. Investing in the future

The positive environmental approach at Lear reflects its future-focused development strategy. The company continues to make strong investments in new technology, and is continually working to track and reduce the emissions and environmental impact of its products both in their manufacture and through the life cycle.

Lear Corporation is positive about the future, with predictions for excellent performances in Europe, Russia and North Africa. It has been putting considerable investment into technology and innovation alongside its strategic growth in emerging markets. n

DRIVEN BY While remaining true to its Italian roots, electronic security system specialist Meta System SpA continues to expand in European and international markets, thanks to its high-quality products, innovative solutions and excellent service. Barbara Rossi speaks to the company’s ELECTRONIC CEO, Giuseppe Simonazzi. INNOVATION

Established in Reggio Emilia in 1973, today Meta System SpA has five sites (plus head office) in Reggio Emilia and one in Mornago, Varese, from which it carries out its electronics focused activity, developing innovative ideas from product design to customer service. The company develops and produces a wide range of products and active/passive electronic security systems, as well as next-generation comfort solutions, including both hardware and software. Products are supplied with all necessary certifications and homologations.

The northern Italian company, which overall employs 656 people, holds various certifications, namely quality-focused ISO 9001, environmentally focused ISO 14001, data management ISO 27001, AVSQ94 for OEM Auto Product division (ANFIA specifications), ISO/TS 16949, and automotive SPICE (ISO/IEC 15504) for the development of software in the OEM domain.

In 2012, Meta System SpA achieved a €130 million turnover, €120 million of which derived from accessories and equipment for the OEM, OES and telematic automotive market segments. The range offered to OEMs is mainly centred round safety and security products, with the former being products for the cockpit and the vehicle, and the latter regarding parking system models and accessories for comfort. In particular, in the last couple of years, the company has developed power modules, which are inverters for electric cars, having supplied and currently being involved in manufacturing battery chargers, as well as electric engine controls, for large German and French automotive manufacturers. The range offered to the OES sector partly overlaps with that supplied to OEMs, while the telematics solutions are mainly linked to the Italian and European insurance world, as Meta System produces black boxes sold to final users, who thanks to this equipment have the advantage of paying lower insurance premiums. These products are thus indirectly funded by the insurance sector and to date, out of the 4 million vehicles fitted with this equipment which are circulating in Europe, 3 million have installed Meta System’s boxes. The telematics range also includes products for home security, still linked to the insurance sector.

As mentioned, in Reggio Emilia there are five sites, located close to each other, plus the head offices. One of these sites is

FCM ITALIA was born out of its founders’ will to create a company in the fi eld of electric cabling, brusholders and electric motor manufacturing, as well as assembling of electro mechanic components.

Over the years FCM ITALIA has developed many competencies in various industrial segments, from Automotive to Appliances, establishing commercial relationships with Clients ranging from middle companies to large multinational groups.

The Management pays particular attention to own resources, both technological and human, putting the Client at the centre of its mission and directing its business vision towards solid partnership relationships.

The aim of the company is therefore that of strengthening its own position on its reference market, guaranteeing competitiveness, quality and flexibility in accordance with its clients’ standards.

The continuous implementation of technological systems for assembly make FCM a company open to innovation.

Today FCM is present in Italy and Romania, where it has been operating for several years, manufacturing products for primary European and world customers.

F.C.M. ITALIA s.r.l., Viale Marconi 81, 10090 Bruino (TO) Italy Tel: +39 011 9094541, E-mail: info@fcmitaliasrl.it Mr. Loris Pasotti, Chairman - E-mail: info@fcmitaliasrl.it | Mr. Liberto Pollani, Sales Director - E-mail: l.pollani@fcmitaliasrl.it Mr. Andrea Bertana, Quality Director - E-mail: a.bertana@fcmitaliasrl.it