Automotive and commercial vehicle interiors supplier International Automotive Components (IAC, Luxembourg; www.iacgroup.com) has begun full operations at its 18,000 m² “Prestice 2” production facility in Prestice / Czech Republic. The company manufactures lightweight injection moulded inner dash acoustic performance insulation at the site and is supplying the components to two premium European OEM customers. A major door trim production programme is planned and the facility is expected to reach full capacity in 2018.

The plant, which progressed from concept to start of production in just eight months, also currently produces trunk trim and dash insulation components for the Opel Astra. It is located around 2 km from the “Prestice 1” facility, which is the company’s European centre of excellence for overhead products.

IAC’s injection moulded inner dash provides an estimated 40% weight reduction compared to a conventional vacuum-formed product, it said. The moulding process provides accurate and reliable forming of lighter inner dash insulation without compromising acoustic performance, and delivers improved mass distribution to match the acoustic hotspots within the component. The company has also developed the customised injection moulding resin used to meet the OEM customers’ requirements.