On March 21, Plastic Omnium, the world leader in exterior systems, is putting into service a 2,700-tonne dual-compound press at Sigmatech, its dedicated exterior component research and development center located near Lyon in France. Plastic Omnium will use the new equipment to work with automotive manufacturers on designing, proposing and approving exterior body components that innovate in terms of their dimensions, aesthetics and integrated functions.

The press is designed to allow two materials to be injected simultaneously, making it possible to produce parts with larger transparent surfaces than current products. This opens new possibilities for automotive manufacturers that are looking for ways to integrate lighting and sensors into exterior body parts. Offering optical and electromagnetic transparency with freedom of design, these new systems cover the total width of a vehicle and will boost Plastic Omnium’s position in the fast-growing market for electric and connected vehicles.

The installation represents an investment of over €3 million for the press and associated finishing equipment (painting, decorating and assembling). Plastic Omnium’s investment was partly covered by a subsidy as part of the Innovative Materials and Design for Intelligent Body Panels project supported by BPI, the French public investment bank.

For this new facility, Plastic Omnium partnered with ARaymond, the global provider of fastening and assembly solutions, and Cetim, a mechanical industry technical center. The partnership aims to develop enhanced features — signaling, radar, lidar, optical sensors, etc. — as part of an ecodesign process that delivers the best possible environmental footprint. Integrating these new technologies into the production process will consolidate Plastic Omnium’s technological leadership in intelligent exterior body systems.

About Plastic Omnium

Plastic Omnium has supported change in the automotive industry for the past 75 years. Plastic Omnium is leveraging its entrepreneurial spirit and innovation-led culture to design and produce complex and interactive body systems as well as systems for emission reduction and energy storage. Sustained investments in hydrogen since 2015 have developed a comprehensive range of hydrogen storage vessels, fuel cells and systems. These assets and innovations position Plastic Omnium as a partner of choice for every stakeholder in clean mobility.

With an economic revenue of €8 billion in 2021, a global network of 137 plants and 31 R&D centers located close to its customers; the 30,000 women and men of Plastic Omnium are committed to meeting the challenges of net-zero mobility.

Plastic Omnium is listed on Euronext Paris, compartment A, is eligible for the Deferred Settlement Service (SRD) and is part of the SBF 120 and CAC Mid 60 indices (ISIN code: FR0000124570). www.plasticomnium.com

Contacts:
Press: Myriam Malak
[email protected]

Investor relations Kathleen Wantz-O’Rourke
[email protected]

Source: plasticomnium.com