Brose expects further growth
Frankfurt (14. September 2005). Despite the sluggish domestic market and the intensified
pricing pressure in the international supplier industry, the Brose Group continues to develop
positively. In 2005, turnover is expected to increase by seven percent to over 2.1 billion
euros with more than 50 percent being generated outside Germany. Compared to the
previous year, the company headcount will increase by 6 percent to approx. 8,600. On
Wednesday at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt (IAA), Michael Stoschek, President
and CEO of the Brose Group, told journalists that the family-owned company intends to
increase its business volume to about 3 billion euros by 2010.
In the Brose Group about 24,000
employees in 23 countries are
engaged in the development
and production of mechatronic
components and systems for
doors and seats as well as electric
motors in vehicles.
One in three new vehicles
worldwide is equipped with at
The company’s growth is based on extending its position as an innovation and quality
leader in doors and seats through appropriate investments and advance input. Every
ninth employee at Brose is engaged in the development of new products or production
processes. Brose invests a total of six percent of its turnover in research and development.
By increasing capacities in the areas of electronics development and production as well
as in closure systems, the company is today positioning itself as the only supplier with
comprehensive development and production expertise regarding mechanical, electrical and
electronic components in the vehicle door and seat.
least one product manufactured
by Brose.
Brose aims to exploit its technological leadership and the economies of scale achieved from
almost 40 million electrical drives to supply further adjuster systems in the vehicle body.
Drive systems for liftgates, trunk lids and sliding doors will be exhibited at the IAA 2005 for
the first time.
In order to improve competitiveness, agreements designed to save costs have been
concluded primarily at Brose’s German locations. Longer working hours and cuts in wages
and salaries of up to 10 percent were necessary to counter increased cost pressures.
Expansion in North America and Asia
“Given the immense pricing pressure and process of concentration among suppliers, it is
imperative for us to continue to grow if we wish to achieve cost benefits,“ said Stoschek,
describing the company’s international growth strategy. In 2004 and 2005, Brose set up six
new locations in North
America, the Czech Republic and Germany. Brose North America Inc. opened a new
headquarters and development center in Auburn Hills/Michigan (USA). Since 2004,
door systems for Ford and DaimlerChrysler have been produced at two new plants in
Chicago/Illinois and Tuscaloosa / Alabama. Production of seat adjusters and door latches
commenced in Ostrava (Czechia) in 2005. In Germany, the automotive supplier began “Just
in sequence“ production of door systems at Sindelfingen and Rastatt.
In 2006, Brose will start operations at another four plants. In London/Ontario in Canada, a
production site is being set up for seat adjusters, entailing investments of almost 60 million
US dollars. In China, the company is in the process of establishing its third production
site. Seat adjusters, door systems, window regulators and closure systems are scheduled
to be produced atthe Changchun plant, beginning next year. Two plants for door system
production are also under construction at Gothenburg/Sweden and Holzgerlingen/Germany.
Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co.
KG, Coburg
Max-Brose-Straße 1
96450 Coburg