Set to grow IDEAL Automotive

set to grow

IDEAL Automotive is an international system supplier and development partner for the automotive industry. With over 4000 employees in 17 locations, the company is in better form than ever before and looking to further increase its capacity. Romana Moares reports.

IDEAL Automotive, based in Bamberg, was founded in 1964 and was formerly known as Schaefer Teppichboden GmbH. It changed its name to IDEAL Automotive GmbH in 2000. The company serves Tier 1 automobile manufacturers and its customer base includes most of the famous names: Mercedes-Benz, SEAT, Opel, Porsche, Lamborghini, Audi, Volvo and many others. In 2017, the company generated a turnover of nearly €390 million.

IDEAL Automotive GmbH operates as a subsidiary of IDEAL Group Deutschland GmbH and manufactures textile lining components for the interior and exterior applications for the automotive industry, such as door coverings, car mats, coating parts made of plastic, side linings, loading doors, spare wheel recess coverings, tailgate linings, seat backrest linings and wheel arch liners. The company also provides needle fleeces, tufting products and coatings, including nonwoven fabrics, tufts, coatings/equipment, and carrier nonwovens.

In addition, IDEAL Automotive offers concept design and construction, research and development, prototype manufacturing, production, component and material testing, and logistics services.

The company boasts a high in-house production depth which comprises the production of semi-finished and finished products. From raw granulate to fibre manufacturing and processing through to the final component, the expertise is included in all manufacturing steps, providing clear advantages to customers including reliable processes, quick and flexible reaction times as well as a cost-efficient and economic production.

Valued partnerships

The company has valuable expertise in the fields of acoustics, fibre technology, plastic formulation and process engineering. The competence comprises the development and production of system parts

– from the first idea to the prototype construction through to serial production. In close cooperation with well-known research institutions, the best and most efficient solutions are found.

The new intelligent system solutions reflect individual customers’ requirements: the optics, functionality and longevity of the products are just as important as cost-efficient production. The low weight of the components, their noise-reducing effect and the good recycling possibilities are just some of the advantages that IDEAL Automotive’s textile lining elements in the vehicle interior and exterior provide.

All production facilities are equipped with new, state-of-the-art technology. To meet the quality and environmental requirements of its customers and to ensure environmentally friendly production, all IDEAL sites are certified according to ISO / TS 16949 / VDA 6.1 and the processing plants according to DIN EN ISO 14001. The company strives to continually improve working conditions and environmental impacts. Uniform standards for quality, work safety and environmental protection apply to all plants.

Collaboration between suppliers and customers is based on mutual trust. IDEAL Automotive is a modern company that is successful not only through innovation and quality but also through continuity and reliable partnerships. IDEAL is constantly on the lookout for suppliers that are able to develop new products with, or for, the company.

Proven route to success

IDEAL Automotive is set to further increase production capacity. In 2016 a new location was opened in Slovakia, and in 2017 another factory was commissioned in Poland. This just goes to show that quality, reli-

ability and commitment to ensuring maximum customer satisfaction are proven routes to success. As the company states: “We want to not only satisfy our customers but also inspire them in the long term. The fact that we have been able to produce for renowned manufacturers in the automotive sector for years now is our promise of quality. The thorough understanding of materials, technology and the market go hand in hand with IDEAL Automotive GmbH projects.”

In 2018, the company is set to further increase its manufacturing capacity in Europe – it is now building a new factory in Świdnica, in southern Poland, planned to be completed by the end of the year. The planned factory covering an area of approximately 27,400m2 will be divided into functional zones – the industrial section (approximately 25,000m2), comprising the production hall and warehouse, two unloading tunnels and technical facilities, as well as the social and office section, which will take up in excess of 2000m2. The estimated cost of the entire project declared by Ideal Automotive is over €15 million.

In mid-2018, IDEAL Automotive also completed the extension of one of its factories in the Czech Republic, in the Panattoni Park Stříbro near the D5 motorway. The extended factory covering a total area of over 14,000m2 will be making carpets for passenger cars.

The latest additions are fully in line with the group’s strategy of healthy growth, an efficient operational management and thought-out investments. Given the increasing demand for top quality products within the growing automotive sector, it is safe to say that IDEAL Automotive’s future looks bright. n