Antolin expands into Italy with purchase of moulder

Automotive interiors supplier Grupo Antolin has signed an agreement to buy the business unit of Italian injection moulding company CRS. Terms were not disclosed for the acquisition.

CRS has its plant in Pinerolo, 40 km southwest of Turin, at which it produces interior trim items, including inserts for instrument panels, door panels and pillars. CRS also produces moulds and tools.

The CRS facility covers an area of 7,000 square metres and employs 47 people. Antolin said turnover at CRS is expected to be between €8m and €10m in 2012 mostly coming from the manufacture of components for Fiat, its main end customer.

Antolin, with its headquarters in Burgos, Spain, said: “With the acquisition of CRS's business, Grupo Antolin starts its expansion process in the Italian territory, constituting a new company, Grupo Antolin-Italy, to centralize production as well as technical and commercial operations in this country.

“Grupo Antolin's presence in Italy will strengthen its position as a global supplier, enhancing collaboration with the Fiat-Chrysler.”

In October 2011, Antolin acquired CML Innovative Technologies, which manufactures automotive lighting in European and Asian countries. The Spanish group said the two acquisitions will allow it to expand its presence to 25 countries.

Grupo Antolin operates 96 centres, has 13,000 employees and in 2011 posted turnover of €2,457m.