Magna Seating expands in South America

The new entity will operate as Magna Seating Argentina. Pabsa, previously part of the L’Equipe Monteur Group, is based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and is a supplier of complete seats, foam products, trim covers, and seat structures. In 2010, the company recorded sales of about USD 110 million. The acquisition includes two production facilities in Buenos Aires and one in Cordoba, Argentina, as well as about 960 employees.

Furthermore, Magna Seating has taken over automotive seating supplier Resil Minas of São Joaquim de Bicas, Brazil. In future, the company will operate under the name Magna Seating Brazil. It recorded sales of about USD 174 million in 2009 and is one of the largest suppliers of seat frames and stampings in South America. Automotive customers include Fiat, Ford, GM, VW, Iveco, and PSA. The acquisition includes three manufacturing facilities and about 1,400 employees throughout South America.

In addition, Magna Seating announced the establishment of a manufacturing facility in the São Paulo area in Brazil to produce complete seats for GM and VW.