Attracted by the highly dynamic Mexican automotive market, sealing profile manufacturer CQLT SaarGummi Technologies S.à.r.l. (Remich / Luxembourg) on 1 July began setting up its first production activities in the country. Michael Lorig, CEO of the group, says current plans focus on certain product finishing stages aimed at optimising logistics along the North American value chain.

SaarGummi became part of Chongqing Light Industry & Textile Holding Group (CQLT, Chongqing / China; www.qfkg.com.cn) in 2011, when the latter acquired the then-insolvent sealing profile manufacturer.

When announcing its entry into Mexico, the group also said Markus Wittmann, the former managing director of SaarGummi Deutschland, has been appointed COO for North America. Aside from overseeing the setting up of the new activities, he will also be responsible for important new business from group customers BMW, VW/Audi and Tesla.

Following his departure, Thomas Simon will take over as managing director of SaarGummi Deutschland, which he will head together with commercial director Roland Dittmann. Simon previously served as plant manager at Johnson Controls Headliner’s plant in Überherrn / Germany.