TI Automotive doubles heater hose sales, poised to double again

WARREN, Mich. (Sept. 18)—Low costs and technical advantages have helped TI Automotive Ltd. double sales of medium- and high-temperature heater hoses over the past 18 months since its acquisition of the former Hutchings Hose Products S. DE R.L. Inside of three years, it expects to double sales again. TI's capabilities for aluminum tubing and quick connects give it an edge, allowing it to bundle both the air conditioning and heater line assemblies together for one-piece installation under the vehicle. TI does not release annual sales for its heater hose unit, but overall, its heating, ventilation and air conditioning group accounts for about 20 percent of the company's total North American annual sales of $1.15 billion, or $230 million each year, said Richard A. Hein, commercial director of the HVAC Product Group. To handle the expected growth, TI will add an extrusion line to its Reynosa, Mexico, plant within three years.