Linamar Buying Ford's Automotive Component Plant in Mexico

Aug. 16, 2007
Plant produces driveline components for all-wheel-drive control systems

Ontario-based Linamar Corp. has arrived at a purchase agreement with Ford Motor Co. for the latter's Automotive Components Holdings' Power Transfer Unit business and Converca I Plant in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico — an operation Ford previously agreed to take back from Visteon Corp.

The purchase had been proposed in April, and is scheduled to close September 1. No purchase price has been announced.

Linamar produces powertrain and driveline systems and components for automotive manufacturers worldwide.

The operation produces driveline components for all-wheel-drive control systems. Linamar states that the 34,000-ft2 plant in Mexico will adopt its organizational model — "lean, autonomous profit centers and commitment to continuous improvement" — and says the addition will complement its expertise in automotive systems and diversify its North American product offerings.

"We are pleased to add both the PTU manufacturing and product engineering capabilities to our portfolio," states Linamar CEO Linda Hasenfratz, "This leading-edge PTU technology reinforces our role as a full system supplier."