Kiekert heralds new development and production hub in China

Heiligenhaus/Changshu (Germany/China) 3rd March (PROTEXT/ots) - Kiekert,leading supplier of latch systems for the automotive industry is buildingits first factory in China.

Kiekert has chosen the city of Changshu, in the vicinity of Shanghai, asits first own development and production center. Thus, our internationalgroup is accommodating requirements of globally operating automotivemanufacturers for the worldwide presence of their suppliers.

CEO Dr. Karl Krause states: "In signing the contract today we have laid thefoundation to start up the production according to schedule in the courseof this year."

"More than 1,000 employees are to work in this factory by 2011. Thedevelopment and production hub will bundle the advantages of the Asiansourcing markets with the favourable production conditions in China. Asignificant expansion of the product development will be linked to the sizeof the factory. Both functions will support our customers locally."

Kiekert is strictly pursuing its strategy of a worldwide local presence.Krause states: "Kiekert is currently implementing the transition from aglobal supplier to a global manufacturer. In the future, the automotiveindustry can rely even more on finding us in the neighbourhood of theirproduction facilities - anywhere in the world."

Note to editors:

Kiekert is the leading latch manufacturer worldwide for passenger cars andlight commercial vehicles. Kiekert controls more than 16 per cent of theglobal market volume for side door latches.

Kiekert employs around 4,300 people worldwide, including some 1,350 atcorporate headquarters in Heiligenhaus, Germany. Kiekert operatesproduction facilities in Germany, the Czech Republic, the USA and Mexico.It also has sales offices and affiliates in the major automotive industrycentres and growth markets. Kiekert group posted global revenues of morethan EUR 500 million in 2007.

Pressekontakt:

Sven van Zoest

Tel.: +49(0)2056 15-8144

Fax: +49(0)2056 15-6719

E-mail: sven.vanzoest@kiekert.com

Kiekert AG

Public Affairs

Höseler Platz 2

D-42579 Heiligenhaus

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