Magna International’s operating unit, Magna Seating announced it will expand its presence in South America with the purchase of automotive seating supplier Resil Minas. Magna International is a manufacturer of complete seating solutions and mechanisms. The acquired Brazilian entity will operate under the name Magna Seating Brazil and is expected to bolster the firm’s operations Latin America.

Resil Minas, of Sao Joaquim de Bicas, Brazil, recorded sales of approximately $174 million last year and is the largest supplier of seat frames and stampings in South America.  Automotive customers include Fiat, Ford, General Motors, Volkswagen, IVECO and PSA.

It will considerably increase Magna Seating’s global footprint, diversify its product portfolio, and position the company as a leading supplier of automotive seating solutions in South America.

Magna Seating President Joe Pittel said the acquisition represents a significant commitment to the South American automotive market and the firm’s global OEM customers. With strong vertical integration in South America, Magna has a clear competitive advantage and can immediately support the global platforms of its OEM customers, he said.

Magna Seating announced earlier this month the establishment of a manufacturing facility in the São Paulo ABC area to meet new customer requirements. The new facility is expected to produce complete seats for General Motors.

Magna Seating is an innovative leader in the development and manufacture of high-quality complete seat solutions and seat mechanisms for the global automotive industry. Their capabilities range from consumer and market research, full concept development, design and engineering, testing and validation to world-class manufacturing of seating components and complete seat assemblies.

On the other hand, Magna International is the most diversified automotive supplier in the world. The firm designs, develops and manufactures automotive systems, assemblies, modules and components, and engineer and assemble complete vehicles, primarily for sale to original equipment manufacturers of cars and light trucks in North America, Europe, Asia, South America and Africa.

Its capabilities include the design, engineering, testing and manufacture of automotive interior systems; seating systems; closure systems; metal body and structural systems; vision systems; electronic systems; exterior systems; power train systems; roof systems; as well as complete vehicle engineering and assembly.

Magna has over 92,000 employees in 245 manufacturing operations and 80 product development, engineering and sales centers in 25 countries. The acquisition includes three manufacturing facilities and approximately 1,400 employees throughout South America.

10 Nov 2010.