Webasto, the world market leader for roof and thermo systems is expanding its plant for roof systems in the Japanese city of Hiroshima. Thus, the leading automotive supplier is bolstering its presence in Japan, the third largest car-producing country in the world. The festive inauguration of the enlarged plant took place on April 5, 2016, attended by Dr. Holger Engelmann, Chairman of the Management Board Webasto SE, along with a number of high-ranking representatives of Webasto, its customers and local officials. Around 5.6 million euros have been invested in the construction of the new two-story building with an effective floor space of over 5,000 square meters.
Strengthening the footprint in Japan
“In 2015 we produced over 10 million roof systems worldwide. More than a million of these were manufactured here in Hiroshima alone. The impressive number makes this site the largest plant for roof systems in the global Webasto Family,” said Dr. Engelmann. “The expansion of this plant strengthens our position in Japan, one of the strategically crucial markets for the automotive industry and for Webasto.”
In addition to Dr. Engelmann and Jörg Sandmann, President of the region Japan and Korea, the inauguration was attended by the mayor of Higashi-Hiroshima, prestigious representatives of Mazda and Subaru as well as the staff of the plant itself. During the festive ceremony Sandmann made a point of emphasizing: “We are very proud that this plant in Hiroshima is of such vital importance for Webasto. I would like to express my very special thanks to our employees. This success is only possible because of their high level of motivation, flexibility and qualification.”
New production capacity and enhanced attractiveness for employees
The new building created additional production capacity that will be required for future projects. Moreover, new office and conference facilities were built for the growing number of employees, especially in the area of engineering. Just in the current year, 2016, Webasto is planning to hire more than 40 new staff members in Hiroshima. Furthermore, the family-owned company once again proves how highly it values the well-being of its employees. A larger cafeteria equipped with modern kitchen facilities enhances the attractiveness of this site for the employees.
Deeply rooted in Japan for over 35 years
Webasto has been operating in Japan since as early as 1978. In 1990, Webasto initiated production of roof systems for nearly all the well-known Japanese automakers at its Hiroshima plant. The location now encompasses an effective usable space totaling 12,500 square meters, which is equivalent to an area almost the size of two soccer fields. At present, it produces primarily sunroofs and panorama roofs for customers such as Mazda, Nissan and Subaru.
