The Mahle Group, a Tier One automotive parts manufacturer, has sold two forging operations in Germany to the Frauenthal Group. The value of the sale was not announced.
Frauenthal, headquartered in Vienna, has nine plants in Europe and China producing stamped and welded steel parts for passenger and commercial vehicle markets, as well as air tanks and U-bolts.
According to Mahle, which manufactures numerous automotive parts and systems and has over 170 plants and research centers in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, indicated the sale is part of a “strategic portfolio decision.”
The two plants, Mahle Motorkomponenten GmbH, are at Plettenberg and Rosswein, and forge steel parts for automotive connecting rods and balancer shafts. The first plant has 510 workers; the second employs 130.
In its statement, Mahle noted the workers’ positions are shielded from downsizing or layoffs until the end of 2019.
The sale is taking place as part of a strategic portfolio decision by the Mahle Group.
“We are convinced that the Frauenthal Group will fully utilize the additional potential and growth opportunities of both locations,” stated chairman and CEO Wolf-Henning Scheider.
Frauenthal executive board member Martin Sailer called the purchase "a significant step toward expanding our Automotive division to become a strategic player with attractive niche products.
“Through our expertise in production processes and market development, we expect further growth in sales and profits,” Sailer added.
