Executives of the Nemak group staged an inauguration event in September to mark the start of production at the group’s 35th aluminum foundry and its first in Russia. The new plant in Ulyanovsk, about 500 miles east of Moscow, will supply aluminum engine blocks and cylinder heads at a rate of 600,000 units annually to a Volkswagen plant in Kaluga, about 95 miles south of the capital city.
The auto plant assembles VW Tiguan crossovers and Polo sedans, and Škoda Rapid sedans at a rate of 225,000 vehicles annually.
Nemak noted that the new foundry represents a $60-million capital investment. Series production at the new foundry is scheduled to begin this month.
Monterrey, Mexico-based Nemak S.A.B. de C.V. casts aluminum cylinder heads, engine blocks, transmission parts, and automotive structural components at plants in 15 countries. It launched an initial public offering earlier this year, intending to raise $863 million. The group said proceeds from the sale would fund growth plans and general corporate initiatives.
“This plant marks a historic milestone in Nemak’s global expansion,” according to the group’s CEO Aramando Tamez. “We are deeply grateful for the welcome we have received from the people of Ulyanovsk, and we look forward to supporting the growth of our customers in the Russian market. We are confident that, with the local talent pool and a strong base of suppliers, we are well-positioned to build a world-class operation here in Ulyanovsk.”