Tenneco Automotive Expands Presence in Eastern Europe

Gliwice, Poland (PROTEXT/ots) - Company strengthens ridecontrol engineering capability with new manufacturing site inPoland. Tenneco Automotive officially opened today a new ridecontrol manufacturing facility in Gliwice, Poland, which willsupply shock absorbers to European-based vehicle manufacturers.. The Tenneco Automotive Europe's Ride Control business unitacquired, and refurbished the facility at Gliwice as a part ofits strategy to broaden the company's presence in EasternEurope. "This $20 million investment marks an important stage inthe expansion of Tenneco Automotive' in Eastern Europe," saidJosep Fornos, general manager Europe original equipment ridecontrol. "This new facility will add capacity as we projectfurther growth in the ride control business across Europe." "In addition to manufacturing capacity, the combined successof our Western and Eastern European product development andengineering capabilities are key to Tenneco Automotive's successin meeting our customers' ride control needs as well as futureexpectations." Fornos added. Low labour and operating costs andthe investment conditions offered by the Katowice SpecialEconomic Zone were factors in the company's decision to open afacility in Poland. In addition, Poland has a motivated andhighly educated labour pool that will allow Tenneco AutomotiveEurope to expand its manufacturing and engineering capacity andposition the company for future growth. The 21,000 square meter facility is expected to manufacture6.0 million units per year by 2005 and will employ approximately120 employees by the end of this year... Tenneco Automotive is committed to the automotive market inPoland that has very dynamic growth. "We are convinced that thisinvestment will allow us to increase our share of the fastgrowing Eastern European market, said Hari Nair, executive vicepresident and managing director, Tenneco Automotive Europe."Furthermore, it will undoubtedly and significantly strengthenthe competitive position of the company as one of the top tiersuppliers of ride control systems and components." Tenneco Automotive is a $3.5 billion manufacturing companyheadquartered in Lake Forest, Ill. (USA), with 23,000 employeesworldwide. Tenneco Automotive is one of the world's largestproducers and marketers of ride control and exhaust systems andproducts, which are sold under the Monroe(R), Walker(R) andGillet(R) global brand names.

ots Original Text Service:Tenneco Automotive Europe Internet: www.presseportal.de

Formore information, please call Tenneco Automotive Europe PeterDercon PR Manager tel +32 2 706 9241 fax +32 2 706 9259 E-mail : peter.dercon@eu.tenneco-automotive.com

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