Kiefel expands automotive business in the US

In order to expands Kiefel’s automotive business in the United States, the Brückner Group USA recently acquired the business of Paragon Molds Corporation. 

 

Since 1973, Paragon has been  a successful partner of many well-known suppliers to the US automotive industry. Headquartered in Fraser, Michigan, it has 33 employees and develops and manufactures tools for the production of automotive interior components such as door panels, instrument panels and center consoles using a lamination process, as well as tools for foamed and back-foamed components.

 

Brueckner Group USA and Kiefel belong to the Germany based Brückner Group. Brueckner Group USA's President Steven D. Hoenig said that the  acquisition expands the Group's North American capabilities and footprint allowing it to better serve its  customers. "With the addition of Paragon's locally manufactured tools and support, the Kiefel division of Brueckner Group USA will be able to offer a complete manufacturing solution for the important North American market," he added.

 

 

In 2016 the Automotive Technology Center in Livonia, Michigan, was put into operation. Besides laboratory facilities for laminating and punching, the center also has a milling robot cell and the equipment for prototype and pre-series products at our customers’ disposal, according to Kiefel’s CEO Thomas J. Halletz. It is expected that Paragon, along with the technology center, will raise Kiefel’s operations and significantly increase its  market presence.

 

David M. Smoger and Daniel V. Smoger, former owners of Paragon will take on roles of Vice President Operations and Vice President Tooling of the Kiefel Automotive Division of Brueckner Group USA and will be responsible for all Kiefel automotive activities for the NAFTA market.