4/27/2009

US automotive component supplier opens European headquarters in Lower Bavaria

MUNICH / NIEDERWINKLING US corporation Grote Industries, a leading manufacturer of lighting systems, is to open its European headquarters in Niederwinkling near Straubing this month. The traditional family business from Madison, Indiana, specializes in LED lights for trucks, rescue vehicles, farm machines and military vehicles. With the new site in Lower Bavaria, Grote Industries will expand its activities in the European market and recruit five new staff this month.

Bavaria’s Economics Minister Zeil welcomed the US company’s decision and said that the investment confirmed the undiminished appeal of Bavaria as a top location for industry: “Infrastructure, networks and research are excellent in Bavaria. Grote is a prime example that these are compelling key location factors even in difficult times.” It also underlines Bavaria’s key role as the gateway to Eastern Europe.

From its base in Niederwinkling, Grote Industries will cater for the entire European market. Klaus Vetterl, Managing Director of the European Operation, emphasized Bavaria’s central location: “In Bavaria we are close to our major sales markets.” The company expects the new site to bring advantages especially with a view to Eastern Europe. “Bavaria has very good links that should benefit us, for instance with Russia”, Vetterl continued. The company opted for the site in Bavaria not least “because many major component suppliers and a leading commercial vehicle manufacturer have their head offices here.” Moreover, in Vetterl’s view, Grote Industries will also benefit from the Bavarian Automotive and Sensor Technology Clusters: “We rely on top technology. The Bavarian networks will therefore be of great benefit to us, for example for cooperation projects in product development or when looking for highly qualified employees.”

Grote plans to develop its new European headquarters as the center of its expansion into Europe, Asia and Africa. Initially, the focus will be on sales, marketing and distribution. However, the company has secured a major contract from a European manufacturer of commercial vehicles and is thus also examining the possibility of setting up a manufacturing plant at the Niederwinkling site.

Founded in 1901 by William D. Grote, the company has production facilities in the US, Mexico, Canada and China. With 1,000 employees worldwide, Grote Industries generated sales in excess of US$ 150 million last year.

Source: Invest in Bavaria

For more information about establishing a location in the State of Bavaria, please contact Jan Danisman 212-317-0588 INFO at BAVARIA.ORG