Magna Expands in China with Six New Facilities

Canada's Magna International Inc., which operates 26 factories in China, says it will open six more by 2015.

Frank O'Brian, who heads Magna operations in Asia, tells AutoBeat Asia on the sidelines of the Global Automotive Forum in Wuhan that the new plants will be in the northern and western parts of the country. The facilities will supply stampings, cast aluminum parts, mirror and other components for multiple customers.

Magna's most recently opened factory is a 145,300 sq-ft complex in Tianjin operated by the company's powertrain unit. The facility makes rear axle drive modules and power takeoff units for Audi and Volkswagen assembly facilities in China.

O'Brian notes that Magna also plans to open two stamping plants in Pune and Chennai, India, next year. The company already operates six manufacturing sites and two engineering centers in the country.