EUROPEAN PLASTICS NEWS
Published: November 17, 2014 2:48 pm ET
Updated: November 17, 2014 2:50 pm ET

Image By: Benecke-KalikoDirk Leiss

Hanover, Germany-based Benecke-Kaliko AG is expanding production of foils for car interiors in southern and eastern Europe.

On Nov. 1 Benecke-Kaliko, part of Germany’s ContiTech AG, took over two sites of Belgium’s Mecaseat Group: Gorvi SA in Pamplona, Spain, and Mecapol in Wagrowiec, Poland. The two plants employ a total of 150.

Benecke-Kaliko already had four plants around the world employing around 2,100 people, with a fifth plant currently being built in China.

“We didn’t just want to buy the business, but also manufacturing capacities,” says Dirk Leiss, chairman of Benecke-Kaliko’s executive board, in a news release. “The new plants are clearly following the strategic direction of the company. With access to the market in southern Europe, we are sending a clear signal for further growth with French and Spanish manufacturers. In future, we will also be able to offer our customers an additional price segment, particularly for models that are in demand in the booming small car segment.”

Benecke-Kaliko has plants in China, Germany and Mexico, and posted 2013 sales of 392 million euros.