Mitec-Jebsen Ramps Up Annual Production of Balancer Shafts to One Million Sets in 2013

-- Successful joint venture looks to expand portfolio to high-precision gears

BEIJING, May 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- To meet the rising demand from foreign and domestic automotive manufacturers in China, Mitec-Jebsen Automotive Systems (Dalian) increased production in 2013 to produce one million sets of balancer shafts. This new record represented an annual production increase of 20% compared to 2012.

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The joint venture (JV) of MITEC Automotive AG and Jebsen Automotive Technik of Beijing, Mitec-Jebsen was established in 2007 as the first foreign-owned company in China to develop and manufacture balancer shaft systems. It has steadily increased production capacity ever since. Mitec-Jebsen produces balancers of the highest international quality, while maintaining a localized cost structure and using proven manufacturing technologies from Mitec as well as a variety of advanced CNC machine tools from world-leading brands.

"Producing one million balancer sets during 2013 represents an important milestone for Mitec-Jebsen and the automotive segments we serve. We initially supplied balancers only to global automakers such as Volkswagen China to support localization, but as China's domestic auto manufacturers have worked to upgrade their powertrain offerings, we have had to increase our development and production capacities to ensure that we can meet future demand," said Mr. Arnie Jensen, general manager of Jebsen Automotive Technik.

In 2013, Mitec-Jebsen began production of its first balancer shaft systems for the Chinese automotive brand, BAIC. This year it will also begin working with the OEM partner of another well-known domestic auto company.

Having established itself as a leading local supplier of high-performance balance shaft systems, Mitec-Jebsen is now planning to expand its portfolio with the production of high-precision gears. This will introduce another advanced Mitec technology to China's manufacturing sector and leverage Mitec-Jebsen's advanced manufacturing staff and efficient operations to add value for OEM customers.

"With MITEC Automotive AG and Jebsen Automotive Technik working in partnership over the past seven years, Mitec-Jebsen has solidified its position as a leader in its field. Now is the time to expand its capabilities as we continue to combine our expertise and further develop Mitec-Jebsen to its full potential," Mr. Christopher Militzer, Chief Business Development Officer of MITEC Automotive AG, said.

"Joint ventures such as Mitec-Jebsen remain an effective business model in China's large and rapidly developing automotive industry. Through our JVs, we help our partners localize their niche technologies and jointly support our OEM and Tier One customers with competitive component solutions," Mr. Jensen added.

China is the world's largest automobile market and its automotive industry is still growing. According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), China's auto market grew almost 14% in 2013, with 2014 expected to be another strong year with 8-10% growth.

Jebsen Automotive Technik supports this market with three JVs: Mitec-Jebsen; Jebsen-TCG Automotive Systems (Dalian), which manufactures high-performance variable oil and water pumps; and MSR-Jebsen Technologies, which produces precision machined components for the fuel system, turbo charger, and transmission customers in China.

About Mitec-Jebsen

With an advanced manufacturing facility in the Dalian Economic Development Zone, Mitec-Jebsen Automotive Systems (Dalian) was established in 2007 as the first foreign-owned company in China to produce balancer shafts for the premium automotive market. The auto parts industry leader is now expanding its portfolio with the production of high-precision gears. Mitec-Jebsen is a joint venture between MITEC Automotive AG and Jebsen Group. For more information, visit www.mitec-jebsen.com.

Jebsen Automotive Technik (JAT), a subsidiary of Jebsen Industrial under the Jebsen Group, supports overseas component suppliers to localize their operations and business in China. It oversees Mitec-Jebsen as well as Jebsen-TCG Automotive Systems, which produces high-performance variable oil and water pumps, and MSR-Jebsen Technologies, which manufactures high precision components for fuel systems, turbo chargers, and transmissions. The company continues Jebsen's history as a leader in Greater China's aftermarket spare parts and services since 1921. For more information, visit www.jebsenindustrial.com.

MITEC Automotive AG is an international leader in the development and production of engine and transmission components. Its core areas of expertise include economical and energy-efficient balancer systems, adjustable oil pumps, and camshaft timing devices, as well as gear wheels, bevel gear sets, wheels and chain components for commercial and passenger vehicles. Based in Germany, MITEC Automotive AG was founded in 1991. For more information, visit www.mitec-automotive-ag.de/en/home.html.