Valmet Automotive Inc. news feed

Mr. Remigiusz Grzeskowiak appointed Managing Director, Valmet Automotive Poland

Wed, 2 May 2012 11:35:00 +0300

Mr. Remigiusz Grzeskowiak has been appointed Plant Manager and Managing Director of Valmet Automotive Sp. z o.o. as of May 2, 2012. He will be responsible for Valmet Automotive's roof systems unit in Zary, Poland. He reports to Mr. Michael Hannemann, Senior Vice President, Roof Systems.

In recent years Mr. Grzeskowiak has been plant manager for Dr. Schneider Automotive Polska plant. He has also been responsible for quality. His educational background is industrial engineer with degrees from International Institute of Higher Education Zittau, Germany and Technical University of Zielona Góra, Poland.

Mr. Pekka Virolainen, responsible for Zary operations since June 2011, will support the new plant manager for the next couple of months. His new responsibilities at Valmet Automotive will be announced later.

Mr. Olli Kerajärvi appointed VP Quality and Supply Chain Management

Wed, 2 May 2012 11:33:00 +0300

Mr. Olli Kerajärvi has been appointed Vice President, Quality and Supply Chain Management of Valmet Automotive Inc. as of May 1, 2012. He will be responsible for global supply chain management including strategic sourcing, supplier quality, procurement and logistics operations as well as quality, environment and safety issues on the group level. He reports to President Ilpo Korhonen. Mr. Kerajärvi's previous task was Vice President, Quality.

New global SCM competence center will support business lines with solutions e.g. for processes, procedures and tools. Business lines will maintain their operational responsibilities in the new global matrix organization.

Valmet Automotive again the best in Finland in employee suggestions

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 11:00:00 +0300

The personnel at Valmet Automotive's Uusikaupunki plant are once again rated as the most prolific makers of improvement suggestions in Finland. This is already the fifth victory.

According to the JTO School of Management (Johtamistaidon Opisto JTO) annual survey, Valmet Automotive was the leading company in the number of continuous improvement suggestions in Finland in 2011. The result was 905 suggestions per 100 employees: the second placed company amounted to 867.

Continuous improvement has always been highly important in Valmet Automotive, and since late 1980's it has been especially focused when the manufacturing adopted the team model. Target-oriented development of one's own work is today a part of everyone's job description, because continuous improvement is an asset and a yardstick in competitive international automotive industry.

The survey comprised of 156 industrial companies and 37,100 persons. All participating companies use employee suggestions as a means of company's improvement functions.

Further information:
Teija Åhlman, VP Communications
Tel.: +358 20 484 8060
E-mail: teija.ahlman@valmet-automotive. com

Valmet Automotive is an experienced provider of automotive engineering, vehicle manufacturing, convertible roof systems and related business services. Our special areas of expertise are premium cars, convertibles and electric vehicles. We employ 1,700 professionals in Finland, Germany, Poland, Sweden, China and the USA.

25 years of Automotive Technical Center in Finland

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:50:00 +0300

The grand opening of the Saab-Valmet Technical Center was celebrated in Uusikaupunki, Finland 25 years ago. The development center was a significant milestone for the company in transformation from manufacturing to providing also engineering services. Today, reinforcing engineering services is a key element in the strategy of the company - today known as Valmet Automotive.

The most important development project of the new Technical Center in late 1980's was the Saab 900 Cabriolet. It was an exclusively Finnish model, and the product development was centered in Uusikaupunki. The first generation Saab Cabriolet exceeded all expectations by far. Also the second generation was developed and manufactured in Uusikaupunki.

Indeed, cabriolets became a core competence area of the company. One third of the cars manufactured by Valmet Automotive in Uusikaupunki are convertibles, including Saab Cabriolet models and the Porsche Boxster roadster sports cars.

Valmet Automotive has also been proactive in developing convertible expertise. The amount of convertible concepts is close to 20. Many have been displayed at the Geneva Motor Show, but several are customer projects that have never been disclosed. Besides engineering the roof systems, the company also specializes in convertible frame structures and interior changes.

The tradition of product engineering in Uusikaupunki is now continued by the new Valmet Automotive, as the ex-Karmann roof systems units were acquired by Valmet Automotive about 18 months ago. The company benefited from top level professionals in convertible engineering and the decades of convertible experience of the company.

The latest focus area of Valmet Automotive is engineering electric vehicles, represented by the concept vehicle Eva from 2010 and the Dawn introduced this year. The Technical Center is currently working on EV technology projects in connection with the Finnish national EVE initiative. Project management is another essential part of the engineering services offering of Valmet Automotive. The company can provide automotive customers with complete vehicle projects from engineering to manufacturing.

Further information:
Teija Åhlman, VP Communications
Tel.: +358 20 484 8060
E-mail: teija.ahlman@valmet-automotive. com

Valmet Automotive’s Dawn a major attraction at the Geneva Motor Show

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 10:53:00 +0300

Valmet Automotive’s Dawn, the demonstration study of electric vehicle components and integration, has become one of the most intriguing visitor attractions at the Geneva Motor Show in 2012.

Valmet Automotive, a leading service provider for the automotive industry, gave the Dawn its world premiere at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. The futuristic, non-compromising and clean-lined styling, hovercraft-like appearance and the EV components exposed on the body have instantly elevated the Dawn to one of the great public and media attractions of this year’s event.

The positive and excited reception of the Dawn by the media and in particular by the public includes also comments that point out the seemingly impractical solutions, including the almost zero road clearance and the protruding drivetrain unit. Aimo Åhlman, Vice President of Product Development, Valmet Automotive, explains:

“From the beginning, we have consistently communicated that this is not a car. Nor is this a concept for a car that could or would be manufactured at some later stage. Therefore we have never released any numbers or figures about the Dawn – simply because there aren’t any. The Dawn is a demonstrator that illustrates the EV components Valmet Automotive’s Engineering services are focusing on, and how we can integrate the components together. The Dawn is a full scale expression of what could be achieved by combining the current EV technology and a visionary design. And yes, it appears to be the most popular non-production vehicle we have ever had on our stand.”

The Dawn displays the essential EV components in a completely unique, never before seen fashion. The inductive charging (the blue plate at the front end) and fast-charge plug at the rear as well as the purposefully designed battery pack at the car center form a part of the aerodynamically sleek and honed body.

On the other hand, the control and drivetrain units are exposed on the body for display purposes. Even the roughest concept car would never show these components in a clear, easily understandable way.

“An eye-catching EV still makes for a WOW effect. At Valmet Automotive, we wonder why. EVs have been around for over a century. The technology enables engineering any kind of EVs, sports cars, family cars, SUVs, busses - you name it. We hope that the success and popularity of the Dawn will lead to a fresh, modern and popular concept of EVs - cars that are as versatile as their traditional combustion engined counterparts, but with a greener energy source”, says Åhlman. Further information: Teija Åhlman, VP Communications, Valmet Automotive
Tel. +358 20 484 8060
Email: teija.ahlman@valmet-automotive.com

Valmet Automotive, Marussia Motors start cooperation

Mon, 5 Mar 2012 02:29:00 +0300

Valmet Automotive, a leading service provider of the automotive industry and Russia's first high-performance car company Marussia Motors have signed an agreement on strategic partnership in the engineering and manufacturing of the B2 vehicle. Valmet Automotive will start manufacturing the Marussia B2 sports car in Uusikaupunki, Finland.

Valmet Automotive will be a strategic partner to Marussia Motors and will provide the project management and a wide range of engineering and manufacturing services to bring the sports car into the production. The manufacturing of the B2 vehicle will take place at the Valmet Automotive Uusikaupunki plant.

The cooperation commences through product development. During this year Valmet Automotive and Marussia Motors engineers will be working on technical documentation alignment, product engineering and development of final process for Marussia B2 assembly in Finland. During the engineering phase the Marussia B2 project will employ Valmet Automotive engineering professionals.

The start of production depends on progress of the cooperation. We plan this phase in the end of 2012 or during 2013. The annual production volume target is several hundred cars. A dedicated assembly line will be set up for the Marussia B2 production at the Uusikaupunki plant.

The Marussia B2 sports car presents the cutting-edge of automotive technology, applying the expertise acquired in Formula 1. Dramatically sharp outlines, radical proportions, light chassis structure and powerful engine make the B2 conspicuous among any other cars.

"We are most pleased with the Marussia agreement. The Marussia B2 sports car is a perfect fit to the Valmet Automotive strategy and company image because we specialize in premium car engineering and manufacturing", says Ilpo Korhonen, President, Valmet Automotive.

"We believe in the success of the Marussia B2. We chose Valmet Automotive as our engineering and manufacturing partner because of their experience and competencies. They are also geographically close to us and provide excellent logistical contacts to our main markets", says Nikolay Fomenko, President, Marussia Motors.

Further information:
Teija Åhlman, VP Communications, Valmet Automotive
Tel. +358 20 484 8060
Email: teija.ahlman@valmet-automotive. com

Matti Räsänen, Director Project Sales, Valmet Automotive
Tel. +358 20 484 8051
Email: matti.rasanen@valmet-automotiv e.com

Valmet Automotive: Strategic focus now on complete car projects

Fri, 2 Mar 2012 11:31:00 +0300

Valmet Automotive, a leading service provider for the automotive industry, responds to the growing demand of outsourced complete car projects with a refined strategy, enhanced cooperation of business lines and reinforced engineering resources.

While the traditional vehicle manufacturing outsourcing is decreasing, the demand for complete car projects integrating project management, engineering and manufacturing is growing strongly. The OEMs need to introduce more derivatives in a shorter period of time, and complete car project outsourcing is an obvious solution.

Valmet Automotive has expanded its range to offer a complete set of services to OEMs. The company now features four integrated business lines – engineering, manufacturing, roof systems, business services – all of which support each other and create a sum larger than its parts.

The present day Valmet Automotive can offer all the services any OEM may need at any stage of an automotive project. In complete car projects the company’s assets can be benefited to the full. For the customer, working with a single experienced and acknowledged partner simplifies the project management.

Engineering is a strategic focus area for Valmet Automotive, and it has been a part of every recent cooperation agreement the company has signed. In addition to continuous recruitment process, the most recent reinforcement to Engineering services took place when Valmet Automotive acquired CAE Automotive GmbH, an engineering service provider in Osnabrück, Germany. CAE Automotive provides engineering services for the automotive industry covering the whole R&D function. “The current change in the industry indicates a strong growth in demand of engineering services. The automotive customers prefer one-stop shopping of engineering and manufacturing services,” says Dr. Heinrich Petra, Senior Vice President of Engineering Services, Valmet Automotive. Further information: Teija Åhlman, VP Communications, Valmet Automotive Tel. +358 20 484 8060 Email: teija.ahlman@valmet-automotive.com Valmet Automotive is an experienced provider of automotive engineering, vehicle manufacturing, convertible roof systems and related business services. Our special areas of expertise are premium cars, convertibles and electric vehicles. We employ 1,700 professionals in Finland, Germany, Poland, Sweden, China and the USA.
www.valmet-automotive.com

Valmet Automotive pursues two-fold approach to EV engineering

Fri, 2 Mar 2012 11:25:00 +0300

Valmet Automotive, a leading service provider for the automotive industry, applies a two-fold approach to EV engineering. The company is reinforcing the R&D efforts, while simultaneously complementing them with an integrator role. Valmet Automotive is an established global pioneer in electric mobility, both in engineering and manufacturing. With the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, Valmet Automotive has made electric vehicle engineering a strategic focus area.

EV engineering has reorganized and extended its resources to meet the requirements of the two-fold approach. Firstly, in component engineering, R&D focus is on drivetrains and batteries. Valmet Automotive also intends to establish an EV Software Competence Center. Secondly, Valmet Automotive focuses on EV engineering as a solution integrator. With generally low level of component and solution standardization in EVs, a capable integrator is a valuable asset to both established and startup companies.

“For decades, automotive industry has leaned on highly standardized solutions. Now they are no longer applicable; the powertrain for example must be engineered for every EV model separately” comments Markus Hirvonen, Project Manager, Valmet Automotive.

At the Geneva Motor Show, Valmet Automotive presents its competences in EV engineering in a unique way. The demonstrator “Dawn” integrates both the component developer and integrator roles. Displaying the battery pack, drivetrain, control unit and charging options, it also shows what ultimately can be achieved in the world of electric mobility, by integrating solutions in an innovative fashion. ”Valmet Automotive has world class competences in EV components and their integration in a complete vehicle. Our experience in EV engineering, manufacturing engineering and series production are assets to our customers”, says Ilpo Korhonen, President, Valmet Automotive. Further information: Markus Hirvonen, Project Manager, Valmet Automotive Tel. +358 20 484 8245 Email: markus.hirvonen@valmet-automotive.com Valmet Automotive is an experienced provider of automotive engineering, vehicle manufacturing, convertible roof systems and related business services. Our special areas of expertise are premium cars, convertibles and electric vehicles. We employ 1,700 professionals in Finland, Germany, Poland, Sweden, China and the USA. www.valmet-automotive.com

Valmet Automotive reinforces engineering services

Fri, 2 Mar 2012 11:21:00 +0300

The current change in the automotive industry indicates a strong growth trend in the demand of engineering services. Therefore, Valmet Automotive has selected engineering as a strategic focus area.

The automotive customers today prefer one-stop shopping of engineering and manufacturing services. The trend has been visible for Valmet Automotive. Engineering is a part of every recent cooperation agreement the company has signed, whether the target of the agreement has been on sales support or manufacturing.

Valmet Automotive has been recruiting engineers continually, and recently the company acquired CAE Automotive GmbH, an engineering service provider in Osnabrück, Germany.

Founded in 2010, CAE Automotive provides engineering services for the automotive industry covering the whole R&D function. CAE Automotive employs 23 people with expertise in engineering of vehicle exteriors, roof systems, interiors, electronics and lighting together with related project management. Many of them are working at the premises of automotive customers. Cooperation with a reliable partner with an extensive range of automotive services facilitates the project management and makes needed resources available to an OEM. This is especially crucial to startup companies that need a strong partner on various functions, including engineering and manufacturing engineering, a special area of expertise of Valmet Automotive. Further information: Teija Åhlman, VP Communications, Valmet Automotive Tel. +358 20 484 8060 Email: teija.ahlman@valmet-automotive.com Valmet Automotive is an experienced provider of automotive engineering, vehicle manufacturing, convertible roof systems and related business services. Our special areas of expertise are premium cars, convertibles and electric vehicles. We employ 1,700 professionals in Finland, Germany, Poland, Sweden, China and the USA. www.valmet-automotive.com

Valmet Automotive now member of the German Association of the Automotive Industry

Fri, 2 Mar 2012 11:18:00 +0300

Valmet Automotive’s roof system unit in Osnabrück is the newest member of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA). The membership in the association promoting research and clean and safe mobility is logical for Valmet Automotive as a globally leading provider of convertible roof systems.

Valmet Automotive GmbH Osnabrück is now one of the over 600 members of the Association, ranging from major OEM's to automotive suppliers. The members seek a common understanding and working bases in various fields of automotive industry. The association also leads a lively dialogue with the industry, the public, politicians and customers.

Sustainability and solutions of modern mobility are the main objectives of the VDA. Today, Valmet Automotive is one of the largest convertible roof system providers in the world. With the focus on engineeringand manufacturing of premium roof systems, the company shares the targets and aspirations of the VDA completely.

The new membership also deepens Valmet Automotive’s networking and discussions with the German automotive companies on all levels.

“Valmet Automotive is an essential player in the global roof system business. The VDA is the right forum for us to attend. The membership will give us much, and we can definitely contribute to the VDA and its members”, says Michael Hannemann, Senior Vice President, Roof Systems, Valmet Automotive. Further information: Teija Åhlman, VP Communications, Valmet Automotive Tel. +358 20 484 8060 Email: teija.ahlman@valmet-automotive.com Valmet Automotive is an experienced provider of automotive engineering, vehicle manufacturing, convertible roof systems and related business services. Our special areas of expertise are premium cars, convertibles and electric vehicles. We employ 1,700 professionals in Finland, Germany, Poland, Sweden, China and the USA.
www.valmet-automotive.com