Plastic Omnium (Levallois / France; www.plasticomnium.com/en) is investing EUR 20m to expand its “Sigmatech” R&D centre for vehicle exterior components and modules in Lyon / France, from its current space of nearly 8,000 m² to 23,000 m². Sigmatech’s innovation capacity is being beefed up for the connected, autonomous and cleaner vehicles of the future. The first phase will build some 4,000 m² in the industrial park to add capabilities for mechatronics, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) tests, virtual reality and robot resources.

Finally a “life centre” building will be added, which will include meeting areas and sports facilities. Staff will also increase from 550 employees currently to 700 in 2020.