Ford Apo Plans To Invest $150m

The Automotive Products Operations (Ford APO) unit of the Ford Motor Company is establishing automotive component manufacturing facilities with an estimated investment of $150 million at Maraimalai Nagar near Chennai.

The unit is currently constructing plants for two separate ventures. Electrical and Fuel Handling India Pvt Ltd, (EFHI) a 100% owned subsidiary and ACD Automotive Engineering India Pvt Ltd (ACDI). ACDI is jointly owned by Ford, US, and Halla Climate Control of Korea.

EFHI and ACDI are scheduled to be fully operational by October 1998.

EFHI, 100 per cent export oriented unit, will manufacture state-of-the-art alternators and starters.

APO will focus on three key automotive component areas. Climate Control Systems, Electronics and Plastic. Manufacturing a full range of international quality climate control components and systems, including radiators, condensers, evaporators, blowers, heaters, air handling systems and air conditioning hoses.

 

ACDI will also produce instrument cluster assemblies, plastic bumpers, instrument panel assemblies, instrument clusters and other plastic based components.

ACDI already has a climate control joint venture at Bhiwadi in Haryana with Indian car major Maruti Udyog Ltd and Sumitomo Corporation, to produce climate control components -- aluminium radiators for Maruti cars.

APO is a self funded profit centre representing the unification of Ford's four components divisions -- Automotive Components, Electrical Fuel Handling, Glass Operations and Chassis Operations. Operating in 19 countries on four Continents APO accounts for approximately 78,000 employees world-wide.

The Chennai operations will employ over 900 people, upgrading their knowledge through extensive training. Focus will be on implementing the Ford way -- safety, skills and products that meet demanding global standards.