VAST China wins ChangAn Ford 2023 Excellence Award
(October 31, 2024) VAST China was honored with the "2023 Excellence in Logistics Delivery Award " at the annual awards ceremony hosted by ChangAn Ford. This honor not only recognizes VAST’s outstanding performance in the logistics field but also signifies VAST’s continuous innovation and development in automotive supply chain management. ChangAn Ford, an important player in the Chinese automotive market, read more» |
Complete Acquisition of Bulgarian Plastic Components Manufacturer
(July 19, 2024) The former company Forez BG, with 67 employees and an annual turnover of around 6 million euros, has merged with WITTE Automotive Bulgaria. WITTE Automotive is further expanding its market position and presence in Eastern Europe. Following a majority stake in the Bulgarian specialist for plastic injection molding in September 2023, the WITTE Group has now completed read more» |
Further expanding in Ostrov in the Czech republic
(June 13, 2024) WITTE Automotive - and so the VAST Automotive Group - is further expanding. In Ostrov near Karlovy Vary (CZ), construction has begun on the new Panattoni Park Ostrov South industrial park with an area of over 65,000 square meters. WITTE Automotive will rent the hall being built there. The developer of the project is Panattoni, while the read more» |
VAST China was honored with the Excellent Supplier Award from SAIC-GM
Great News! VAST China has recently been honored to win the award of Excellent Supplier from SAIC-GM Wuhan Plant for the year 2023. This recognition not only acknowledges our hard work and outstanding performance throughout 2023 but is also a testament to the collective achievement of all our dedicated employees. Recently, SAIC-GM Wuhan Plant conducted an evaluation of suppliers in read more» |
WITTE Automotive/VAST expands the management
(September 30, 2023) Benedikt Schultheiß will take over the position of CFO at WITTE Automotive as of 2023/10/01. With Benedikt Schultheiß we were able to win a long-standing employee for this position. From October, the 44-year-old family man will be responsible for the financial area at WITTE Automotive as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and member of the Executive read more» |
VAST Automotive Group structures are reorganized
(June 30, 2023) After 23 years of trustful partnership the VAST Automotive Group structures are optimized and reorganized. The VAST partners decided that more focus can be provided to the individual entities through dedicated ownership, instead of VAST combined ownership. As a result, WITTE, ADAC and STRATTEC agreed on reorganization of VAST: WITTE Automotive will own 100 % of the read more» |
Frank Krejci is the new VAST Chairman
(2022/01/10) From September 27 to 29, 2022, the VAST Board of Directors (VBoD) finally met again in presence after almost three years. Various topics regarding global market and customer development, new trends and technologies as well as the joint VAST strategy were discussed in Detroit during those three days. Frank Krejci is the new Chairman of the VBoD Normally, the read more» |
Jim Teets takes over the VAST Chairman role
(07/01/2021) Every two years, the position of Chairman of the VAST Board of Directors (VBoD), the leadership of the highest body of the global alliance, changes. As of July 1, Jim Teets (Chairman and CEO ADAC Automotive) will therefore take over this role from Rainer Gölz (CEO WITTE Automotive) for the next two years. „I am excited to take over read more» |
WITTE Automotive takes over Czech electronics company IMA
(01/28/2021) The member of VAST, WITTE Automotive has acquired the Prague-based company IMA (Institut mikroelektronických aplikací) , the innovative developer of electronic identification systems, as of 01.01.2021. WITTE has already been cooperating with IMA since 2017 and had acquired a 24% stake in the Czech electronics developer in August 2018. With the 100% takeover, WITTE Automotive will expand its mechatronic read more» |
20 Years VAST Automotive Group: Global conference shapes future plans
(October 19, 2020) In conjunction with the 20th anniversary of the VAST Alliance, a VAST Global Conference was held on October 14-16, 2020. Contrary to the original plan, the conference was realized digitally due to the Corona pandemic. The 41 participants "celebrated" the 20th anniversary and the very successful development of the VAST Automotive Group. And there are many plans read more» |
Celebration of VAST Jingzhou Grand Opening
(September 8th, 2020) The celebration of VAST Jingzhou Plant Phase1 grand opening was held on 7th/ September 2020. Jingzhou Plant is an important strategic step of VAST in central China for the future success of VAST Group. Its official start of production is a crucial milestone for the development of VAST in China enabling our business to reach extra capacity read more» |
General Motors Honors STRATTEC as Winner of Coveted Supplier Innovation Award
(June 24, 2020) – STRATTEC Security Corporation was named a GM Innovation Award winner during a virtual ceremony to celebrate the recipients of General Motors’ 28th annual Supplier of the Year awards on Wednesday, June 24. GM’s Innovation Award recognizes the top suppliers among thousands of global contenders that introduced innovations that deliver cutting-edge technologies that substantially enhance vehicle read more» |
STRATTEC Winner of the 2019 Automotive News PACE Award 2 Years in a Row!
(April 9th, 2019) For a second year in a row, STRATTEC has been honored with a PACE Award! This year STRATTEC was recognized for the Invis-A-Rise™ Power Tailgate System which was introduced on the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado pick-up truck. Winning the PACE award one time as a supplier is a huge accomplishment, but winning two years in a row puts read more» |
WITTE Automotive doubles production area in Bulgaria
(May 12, 2019) On May 11th, WITTE Automotive, the German member of VAST Automotive Group and one of the leading locking system manufacturers of the automotive sector, opened the expansion of its factory in Bulgaria with a ceremony together with high-ranking representatives from politics, business and Bulgarian institutions. “WITTE Automotive Bulgaria has become a flagship factory of the entire group. read more» |
WITTE Nejdek receives Supplier Excellence Award
(February 2nd, 2019) Opel/Vauxhall has awarded WITTE Nejdek (CZ) the "Platinum Supplier Status" for its outstanding delivery reliability in the Customer Care and Aftersales sector. "Like all companies, we rely on strong partnerships with our suppliers to meet the needs of our customers, and the ability to deliver on time is a large part of this," our customer's statement on read more» |
STRATTEC/STRATTEC Power Access Finalist in the Automotive News PACE Award
(November 1st, 2018) For the second year in a row, STRATTEC has been recognized as a finalist for the Automotive News PACE Award . The team submitted the Invis-A-Rise™ Power Tailgate System and has been named a finalist of the very prestigious Award - the Premier Automotive Suppliers' Contribution to Excellence Award. It is globally recognized as the industry benchmark read more» |
WITTE Automotive invests in the IMA Czech electronics company
(08/21/18) WITTE Automotive (Germany, Velbert), the world's leading automotive supplier of vehicle locking systems, now has a share in the company based in Prague (Czech Republic), IMA , s.r.o. (Institute of Microelectronic Applications, s.r.o.), an innovative developer of electronic identification systems. We have reached another milestone on the path to digitization. On August 13, 2018, the WITTE Automotive Management Representative, read more» |
Jim Teets Awarded EY Entrepreneur of The Year® in Manufacturing
(06/28/18) ADAC Automotive President and CEO Jim Teets (second man from left) has been awarded the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2018 Award for Manufacturing in the Michigan and Northwest Ohio region. Teets was selected by an independent judging panel made up of previous award winners, leading CEOs, investors and other regional business leaders. The award was announced at a read more» |
NEWS PACE AWARD FOR INVIS-A-RISE® POWER LIFTGATE
(04/10/18) STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION (STRATTEC), manufacturers of power access systems used in vehicles, has won an Automotive News PACE Award for their new Invis-A-Rise® Power Liftgate, an Overhead Spindle Power Liftgate for 2018 Honda Odyssey. The Company’s Invis-A-Rise® Power Liftgate was selected from 33 total innovations presented from 27 component and technology suppliers from around the world. An independent panel read more» |
VAST China Phase II Opening Ceremony
(03/08/2018) VAST China finalized the Phase II building expansion in Taicang, China. The 11,000 square meter addition is designed to support the production capacity for the current and booked business. Additionally, the new building and corresponding investments will strengthen research and development and testing capacity. With these dedicated investments including a large laboratory, VCN is fully committed to attract and read more» |
VAST China reaches 1 billion Renminbi Sales milestone
(01/19/2018) On January 18, 2018, all VAST China staff enjoyed a happy get-together, celebrating one billion RMB in sales for 2017 and the coming of 2018 Chinese New Year! Sales were boosted by strong growth in the China market by both global and local China customers. In particular, Geely, SGM Wuling and Chang’An are in the “million club” for vehicles read more» |
IAA 2017: VAST impresses with products for the vehicles of tomorrow
(09/18/2017) “FUTURE NOW” – this was the slogan of this year’s IAA in Frankfurt. Therefore, the international VAST Automotive Group, the strategic alliance between the automotive suppliers WITTE Automotive , STRATTEC and ADAC Automotive , presented their latest developments for the cars of the future there from September 12 to 15, 2017. VAST impressed the trade visitors with sophisticated product read more» |
IAA 2017: Shaping the future together
(08/21/2017) From September 12–15, 2017, we will present at IAA 2017 in Frankfurt, Germany the innovations that will help us shape the automotive future. You will find us in Hall 4.1, Booth E36. Digitalization, networking, urbanization and rising electromobility … these are just a few keywords that are used in connection with the mega trends in the automotive industry. These read more» |
VAST Members Joint Venture ASdM Honored at Ford™ World Excellence Awards
(05/18/2017) ADAC STRATTEC de Mexico, or ASdM, is the recipient of a Ford Silver award for the supply of automotive door handles. Ford Motor Company honored top-performing suppliers at the 19th annual Ford World Excellence Awards at the Henry Ford Museum on May 17, 2017. Fifty-seven companies were selected from thousands of Ford global suppliers. The World Excellence Awards recognize read more» |
Groundbreaking Ceremony for VAST China, Phase II
(03/03/2017) On Feb. 28, 2017, a selected auspicious day in the glorious season of spring, VAST China held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of development of VCN Phase II project in Taicang. Around one hundred people, including officers from the Taicang Municipal Party Committee, members of the Taicang Municipal Government, the VAST Board of Directors and VAST China read more» |
Successful 2016: VAST is growing and thriving
(02/20/2017) With revenues of more than $1.5 billion, VAST (Vehicle Access Systems Technology), a strategic partnership of three automotive suppliers - WITTE Automotive, ADAC Automotive and STRATTEC Security Corp. - achieved another record year in 2016. A total of 11,700 employees in 12 countries around the globe are now working on innovative solutions for the automotive world. “We’re happy to read more» |
“Best in business”: Ford Q1 Award for WITTE in Ruse (BG) and Stromberg (D)
(11/30/2016) The representatives of our customer Ford presented WITTE Automotive Bulgaria with the Q1 Award in a special ceremony on 09/28/2016 and WITTE Stromberg on 11/29/2016. The award is one of the highest honors for overall performance, which the American car manufacturer presents to its suppliers. Five high-ranking representatives of Ford traveled to the ceremonial presentation in Ruse, Bulgaria and read more» |
Over 10,000 employees worldwide - VAST remains on its growth course
Auburn Hills (02/22/2016) VAST concludes the year 2015 with two new records: More than 10,000 employees world-wide develop innovative solutions for the automotive world and VAST once again reached new record Sales. VAST was founded 15 years ago, when the specialists for vehicle access systems WITTE Automotive, STRATTEC, and somewhat later ADAC Automotive, joined forces in a Global Alliance. Since read more» |
VAST China awarded by Volvo
(12/01/2015) VAST China was honorably given the “VOLVO Cars Quality Excellent Award” by Volvo in 2015. For providing high quality European standards and exceptional services, VAST China received the Volvo Award 2015. As strategy supplier, VAST China supports Volvo Cars for S60L and XC60, and supplies Outer Door Handles, Tailgate Handles and Tailgate Latches. The Volvo Cars Quality Excellent Award read more» |
IAA 2015: Customers experience VAST’s global expertise close-up
(09/22/2015) The VAST presence at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) was a resounding success. In his initial assessment, Christian Kaczmarczyk, CEO of WITTE Automotive, says: “The visitors were very impressed by the variety of our system solutions for hoods and tailgates, doors, interior and seat systems. At the same time we succeeded in making the advantages of our global read more» |
New impressions at the IAA: Hall 4.1 - Booth D18 - September 15-18
(09/04/2015) “MOBILITY CONNECTS” – This is the motto of the 2015 IAA in Frankfurt. At VAST, this is exactly our intention – to connect with our customers to share a common view on the automotive future. Let us surprise and excite you with our very first VAST presence at the world’s largest Automotive show. The Alliance Partners ADAC Automotive , read more» |
New Joint Venture in India: Minda VAST Access Systems
(04/30/2015) VAST announced today through its VAST LLC (“VAST”) joint venture, which includes ADAC Automotive of Grand Rapids, Michigan, STRATTEC of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, WITTE Automotive of Velbert, Germany that it has executed an agreement to become a 50:50 Joint Venture partner with Minda Management Services Limited an affiliate of both Minda Corporation Limited and Spark Minda, Ashok Minda Group of read more» |
WZZM News: ADAC needs skilled workers
(03/05/2015) MUSKEGON, Mich. (WZZM) -- Manufacturers in Muskegon County say they're seeing signs of a skilled labor shortage and that has the potential to impact their future growth. ADAC Automotive operates three manufacturing facilities in Muskegon. At their newest facility workers make door handles for the Ford F-150. ADAC already employees around 900 workers in Muskegon and finding more skilled read more» |
SEM Quality Award goes to VAST China
(02/09/2015) Soueast Motor (SEM)-Annual Supplier Conference 2014 was held in Fuzhou on Feb 8th, 2015, at which Mr. Lian Xiaoqiang (Chairman), Mr. Zuo Zisheng (CEO) and other SEM leaders delivered their speeches. They introduced the 2015 strategic planning and put forward expectations for suppliers and highly recommended the new car model of DX7 as well. The Supplier Awards Ceremony was held as well to read more» |
VAST Posts Record Sales and is Positioned for Future Growth
(02/12/2015) For the fifth consecutive year, Vehicle Access Systems Technology LLC (“VAST”) has ended the year with record sales. The strategic partnership of three automotive suppliers, WITTE Automotive (Velbert, Germany), STRATTEC Security Corporation (Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA) and ADAC Automotive (Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA), generated total sales of $1.5 billion USD in 2014 – up by 15% compared to the previous read more» |
STRATTEC wins 2014 Supplier of the Year Award from Ford Rotunda
(10/23/2014) STRATTEC was named 2014 Supplier of the Year by Ford Rotunda which is part of Ford Customer Service Division of the Ford Motor Company. Frank Krejci, President & CEO commented: "I'm extremely proud of the hard work by our STRATTEC associates to earn this prestigious award. It is especially gratifying since it highlights our efforts to diversify. Last year, read more» |
Next milestone: WITTE Automotive opened the new plant in Bulgaria
(10/01/2014) WITTE Automotive extends its global presence: yesterday, Mr. Rosen Plevneliev, President of Bulgaria together with Dr. Manfred Pueschel, Chairman of the Advisory Board of WITTE Automotive GmbH, opened officially a new production facility in Bulgaria. “I am a president but I am also an engineer and I have to say that this plant is a very important achievement not read more» |
Changes in the company management board of WITTE Automotive
(09/22/2014) The generation change in the management board of WITTE Automotive, which started at the end of last year, continues. As planned, October 31st , 2014 Mr. Edvard Rueckert will return from the position of an executive director back into the Supervisory Board of the WITTE Group. Starting October 1st , 2014 the company management will also be strengthened by read more» |
New Chairman: Position rotates from WITTE’s Rainer Goelz to ADAC’s Jim Teets
Jim Teets, President & CEO of ADAC Automotive (Grand Rapids, Michigan/USA), has been nominated as Chairman of the Board of Directors of VAST – one of the leading automotive suppliers in security and access control products. The position of Chairman was created in the context of organizational changes in 2010, and it was decided that this function will rotate among read more» |
ADAC Automotive Recognized as a General Motors’ 2013 Supplier of the Year
Grand Rapids, Michigan – On March 12th, 2014 ADAC Automotive was recognized by General Motors as one of their 2013 suppliers of the year. This is the fifth time ADAC has received this prestigious award. General Motors honors less than 1% of their suppliers and ADAC was one of the 68 suppliers to receive this title during their 22nd annual read more» |
"Key to success isn´t just keys"
(10.02.2014) Today this article about STRATTEC/VAST was published in the Journal Sentinel - the primary newspaper in Milwaukee: Strattec's key to success isn't just keys By Paul Gores of the Journal Sentinel Feb. 10, 2014 If you've unlocked a Town & Country minivan or any other Chrysler vehicle, you've used a product made by read more» |
Important step towards planned exchange of generations in the WITTE-management
Within the planned exchange of generations there will be done significant step of this change to 01.11.2013 in WITTE Automotive: Rolf-W. Walter will resign from the position of the executive manager, Christian Kaczmarczyk will be appointed as the new executive manager. Mr. Kaczmarczyk will together with Edvard Rückert and Rainer Gölz lead this family company. from left: Rainer Gölz, read more» |
President of Bulgaria inaugurated a new WITTE plant in Ruse
WITTE Automotive expands its global presence: Yesterday in the bright sunshine, the foundation stone of a new WITTE Automotive plant was laid down in Ruse. President Rosen Plevneliev of Bulgaria was personally present at the official ceremony together with Mr. Edvard Rückert, general manager of WITTE Automotive GmbH, and Mr. Tomas Jindra, general manager of WITTE Automotive Bulgaria EOOD. In read more» |
ADAC Announces MEDC Grant
Muskegon, Mich. – ADAC Automotive is a Grand Rapids-based direct supplier of automotive products such as body-color exterior door handle assemblies, exterior mirrors, fuel filler doors and rear access trim. ADAC plans to expand its facilities in the City of Muskegon, investing $7.9 million and creating up to 97 new jobs. As a result of the expansion, ADAC has been read more» |
ADAC Automotive opened a new paint facility
On Wednesday, 24th July, 2013, Governor Rick Snyder and Jim Teets, ADAC´s president and CEO,officially cut the ribbon opening herewith ADAC´s state-of-art paint plant in Muskegon, Michigan. The new and innovative robotic paint system enables our alliance partner to paint thousands of body-color exterior components produced for Ford Motor Company, Fiat-Chrysler, General Motors, Honda, Volkswagen and other car manufacturers. ADAC read more» |
Volkswagen Group Award 2013 for WITTE Automotive
The Volkswagen Group awards particularly innovative and reliable suppliers. WITTE Automotive convinces through the overall performance of the company. WITTE Automotive ranks among 21 best suppliers of the Volkswagen Group, which invited for yesterday ́s gala ceremony “Group Award 2013” more than 150 companies and managers from international suppliers industry to the Transparent factory ("Glaeserne Manufactur") in Dresden. There the read more» |
STRATTEC Receives Supplier of the Year Award from Chrysler
Milwaukee Wisconsin – STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION (NASDAQ: STRT), announced that it was honored by Chrysler Group LLC with its 2013 Supplier of the Year award in the Electrical Products Category. Top performing suppliers were recognized at the Annual Strategy Meeting and Supplier Awards Ceremony, held Wednesday June 5, 2013. Other finalists in the Electrical Products category were Alpine Electronics, Inc. read more» |
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