Kiekert heralds new development and production hub in China

HEILIGENHAUS/CHANGSHU, 3rd March 2008 - Kiekert, leading supplier of latch systems for the automotive industry is building its first factory in China. Kiekert has chosen the city of Changshu, in the vicinity of Shanghai, as its first own development and production center. Thus, our international group is accommodating requirements of globally operating automotive manufacturers for the worldwide presence of their suppliers.

CEO Dr. Karl Krause states, "In signing the contract today we have laid the foundation to start up the production according to schedule in the course of this year."

More than 1,000 employees are to work in this factory by 2011. The development and production hub will bundle the advantages of the Asian sourcing markets with the favourable production conditions in China. A significant expansion of the product development will be linked to the size of the factory. Both functions will support our customers locally."

Kiekert is strictly pursuing its strategy of a worldwide local presence. Krause states: "Kiekert is currently implementing the transition from a global supplier to a global manufacturer. In the future, the automotive industry can rely even more on finding us in the neighbourhood of their production facilities - anywhere in the world."

Note to editors:

Kiekert is the leading latch manufacturer worldwide for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. Kiekert controls more than 16 per cent of the global market volume for side door latches.

Kiekert employs around 4,300 people worldwide, including some 1,350 at corporate headquarters in Heiligenhaus, Germany. Kiekert operates production facilities in Germany, the Czech Republic, the USA and Mexico. It also has sales offices and affiliates in the major automotive industry centres and growth markets. Kiekert group posted global revenues of more than EUR 500 million in 2007.

Kiekert AG

Heiligenhaus/Changshu