Valmet Automotive celebrated the recently launched Mercedes-Benz A-Class manufacturing with a number of invited guests at Uusikaupunki, Finland plant. Among the invitees were representatives from the media, partner companies, Daimler AG executives and Finnish Minister of Labour Lauri Ihalainen.

The 90 invitees in the celebration were introduced to the A-Class production facilities and processes at Uusikaupunki. The event also included the symbolical release of an A-Class car made in Finland to the customer, Daimler AG. The car was released by Mr. Risto Hukkanen, Senior Vice President Manufacturing Services, Valmet Automotive, to Mr. Dr. Klaus Zehender, Vice President Procurement & Supplier Quality, Daimler AG.

The given speeches emphasized the importance and success of the co-operation between Valmet Automotiven and Daimler AG.

– The presented car symbolizes the skill and co-operation the world today needs. This plant has brought together the German design and engineering, the Finnish engineer and production as well as everything else it takes to make this car, said Finnish Minister of Labour Lauri Ihalainen.

– Our high-class co-operation during the past 12 months has been a key factor in the success of this demanding project. We believe that this has the potential to become yet the next step in a long, evolving co-operation between Daimler AG and Valmet Automotive, said Mr. Olli Vaartimo, Chairman of Valmet Automotive Board.

– We have found the ideal partner for the A-Class project: Valmet Automotive is a true production specialist who reliably fulfills the high requirements in terms of processes and especially quality which globally apply to the production of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. Beyond this, it is a company with a strong drive for success, always ready to walk the ‘extra mile’ to deliver, said Dr. Zehender of Daimler AG.

The manufacturing of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class has started at Valmet Automotive in Uusikaupunki, according to the production plan. The manufacturing agreement stipulates production of over 100,000 Mercedes-Benz A-Class vehicles in the years 2013 to 2016 by Valmet Automotive.

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Further information:
Teija Åhlman, VP Communications, Valmet Automotive
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 1,600 professionals in Finland, Germany, Poland and China.
www.valmet-automotive.com