October 28 , 2011
MLI President and CEO Mickey Dunn has announced that it will purchase all assets of Canadian based Vikeda International’s Saltillo, Coahuila Mexico operation effective October 31, 2011. MLI will also take responsibility for the 250 plus employees as well as assume a joint venture relationship with Vikeda’s customer TS Tech North America. TS Tech North America is a Japanese owned interior company that is a supplier to the Honda Motor Corporation.
Dunn stated “This is a significant strategic move for MLI and puts us solidly in a buisness that we have been trying to penetrate for the last few years. We will now enjoy a long term relationship with one of the most respected Tier I suppliers in the automotive interior industry.”
The Saltillo, Mexico operation will continue to manufacture car seat sets for the Honda Civic one on Honda’s largest selling vehicles.
In closing Dunn stated “This is a tremendous day for the MLI team as we embark on a new opportunity that will be both challenging and rewarding. This new relationship will allow us to continue our goal of diversifying both product mix and customer base.”
MLI is a 21 year old company with over 1,800 employees and is a leading manufacturer of automotive airbags, commercial vehicle interiors, industrial covers, embroidered products and automotive seat inserts.