UFI Filters opens the first production plant for thermal management systems in Europe and doubles its production capacity of heat exchangers. Opole, 14 December 2018 – UFI Filters, a global leader in filtration technologies and thermal management, inaugurates the operations of a modern production plant in Opole, Poland. Thanks to it, the company will be able to double its world production capacity in the area of heat exchangers until 2023.
As part of UFI’s strategy of manufacturing original equipment parts (OE) in the vicinity of car manufacturers, the new plant expands the company’s operations in the field of thermal management throughout Europe. The plant, occupying initially 6,000 m² of space and ensuring production efficiency at the level of one million parts per year, by 2023 will be expanded to 12,000. m² and triple the production capacity. Fully integrated, advanced technological processes enable the production of engine oil coolers, transmission oil and other types of water coolers as well as a wider range of products, including heat exchangers for hybrid and electric vehicles.
The factory in Opole guarantees significant economic benefits to the region, the total investment will amount to PLN 42 million (about EUR 10 million) and will generate 250 new jobs in the next five years. The plant is the first UFI factory dealing in the production of heat exchangers located outside China. Its convenient location near the UFI filter factory in Ostrava (Czech Republic) will allow you to quickly exchange services in less than two hours.
Giorgio Girondi, UFI Filters Group Chairman, confirms: “In recent years, heat exchangers for engines, gearboxes and other water coolers have been an important area for UFI to increase the production of original equipment and a significant complement to our activity in the field of filtration technology. We strive to serve our clients more effectively at the local level. Thanks to the opening of this key plant in Poland, we can meet the needs of all major car manufacturers in Europe and shorten the delivery time. ” Technologically advanced, original heat exchangers that UFI will produce in the new plant in Opole, are intended for a number of markets, including for cars and trucks, tractors and construction equipment (road and off-road), as well as for hybrid vehicles, fully electric and equipped with fuel cells, prepared for future drives and e-mobility. Thanks to the latest production processes in the new factory, all UFI thermal management systems will serve as the highest quality heat exchangers for engines, gearboxes, oil coolers and steering systems.
Recently, battery coolers and coolers have also been added to UFI’s offer. In addition, to strengthen the specialization of UFI in the field of innovative, vacuum-soldered, water-cooled aluminium heat exchangers, the new plant is equipped with the latest soldering and vacuum testing technologies that ensure optimal purity, durability and reliability of products. Since the start of operations in the heat exchanger sector in 2012, UFI has become the leader in the development and production of thermal management systems. Thanks to the technical development team in Italy, the company is leading the field of thermal management technology and system integration, combining heat exchangers with additional integrated functions such as thermostatic, anti-return and pressure reducing valves, coolant pre-filters, sensors and integrated adapter plates. “As an expert in innovation and system integration, UFI is constantly introducing new thermal management systems that can both cool and heat any car fluids,” explains Giorgio Girondi. – “By combining this expertise with the additional production capacities currently available in Opole, we can anticipate both the changing requirements related to heat exchangers for future propulsion systems as well as meet the growing demand in Europe.”
“In the following years, we will also begin production of filters in Opole in order to meet the growing needs of our clients,” continues the president of Girondi. The plant in Opole will also act as a warehouse for the spare parts market and soon, in accordance with European plans, will become the centre of the company, strengthening the Group’s position as a key player on the market.
About UFI Filters spa: Founded in 1971, UFI Filters is a global leader in filtration technologies and thermal management. It supports many sectors – from automotive, aviation and maritime to specialized industrial and non-standard hydraulic applications. The products known for their innovative character and knowledge of UFI are visible in almost all types of vehicles, from Ferrari and other leading F1 teams to the space ship of the European ExoMars mission. UFI provides a wide range of air, oil, fuel, cabin, hydraulic and coolant filters as well as thermal systems for the automotive sector, meeting the needs of almost all automotive brands and motorcycles as well as lorry, commercial and agricultural vehicles. On the original equipment market, it is the main supplier of filtration systems. Each range of filters from the two brands of the company available on the aftermarket – UFI and Sofima – covers 96% of the European fleet.
As one of the first Italian companies to see development opportunities in the Far East, UFI now has 16 industrial plants and employs over 4,000 people in 16 countries. It has 167 patents, there are employed 120 specialised technicians employed in the Innovation and Development Centres. Between 2009 and 2017, UFI achieved double digital sales growth rates (CAGRs). As a company focused on research, more than 5% of its revenues are invested in R & D.
More information: UFI Aftermarket’s customer contact department: marketing@it.ufifilters.com
UFI Aftermarket Media Relations Department: bmb-consult
Dagmar Klein / Jacek Skolimowski – Tel .: + 49 89 89 50159-0
E-Mail: d.klein@bmb-consult.com / j.skolimowski@bmb-consult.com
Attached photos:
– Giorgio Girondi, UFI Filters Group Chairman
– UFI Filters, production plant in Opole, Poland
– UFI Filters, radiator for hybrid and electric vehicles
– UFI Filters, cooling plate for the Porsche Cayenne Hybrid
– UFI Filters, engine oil cooler
– UFI Filters, transmission cooler/ gearboxes coolers
