CHANGZHOU, China—Construction has begun on automotive trim material producer Benecke-Kaliko A.G.'s newest plant in Changzhou.
A joint venture between Benecke-Kaliko, a Conti-tech A.G. business unit, and Chinese partner Jiangsu Changshun Group Co. Ltd., the new operation, called Benecke-Changshun ECO Trim, will manufacture the environment friendly, low emission and allergen free automotive trim material Acella Eco at the facility.
Benecke-Kaliko is investing nearly $45 million in the construction of phase one of the new plant, making it the largest investment in the company's history. It anticipates the work force at the facility will be around 250 at the 258,000-sq.-ft. plant.
Construction of the new factory “represents an important cornerstone in our self image in terms of sustainability, environmental responsibility and innovation leadership,” according to Ralf Cramer, a member of the executive board of Continental A.G. and president of Continental China. Continental is the parent of ContiTech.