F.S. Fehrer Automotive GmbH and Raba Automotive Holding Plc. formed a joint venture in the foaming plant of Rába’s Components Business Unit in Hungary. Fehrer- Rába Automotive Ltd starts operating in October, 2009.The cooperation enables both partners to meet the requirements of the OEMS with regards to close-to-the-customer production and high quality. Fehrer is the majority holder with 70 per cent, while Raba holds 30 per cent of the shares.

The partners plan to invest 12m EUR in the joint venture specialized in foam production for the automotive industry in the next 3 years. The development increases the capacity at the Hungarian site in Mor by more than 250%. It provides a higher support service for today’s customers and the possibility for gaining further business. The activities of the new joint venture cover the complete value chain from design up to production using leading technologies.
The 70% share of Fehrer arises from cash, special equipment and know-how, while Rába obtains its 30% business share through contribution of the work force and the current capacity. Both of the owners have excellent expert knowledge and extensive customer relations which lays the basis for the future success of the jointly founded company.
„Fehrer-Raba combines leading Fehrer expertise in the complete value added chain with Raba`s market closeness in Hungary and the Riparian states. Due to the growing importance of the East European automotive market, the commitment in Hungary is an important step for Fehrer as a family-owned company to expand its position as specialist for vehicle interior components and to secure its competitiveness at home and abroad” says CEO Dr. Bernd Welzel.
“By the foundation of the joint venture Rába realizes one of its strategic goals. The growing capacity and the higher technology level arisen from the cooperation means that we will be able to gain new businesses in Hungary including future markets and in the regional market. In accordance with Rába’s strategy the free resources can be concentrated for the seat frame and trim production of Rába Automotive Components Ltd.” – adds Mr. István Pintér, CEO of Rába Plc.