Magna International Inc has started production at two new manufacturing facilities in Sanand, Gujarat. Both plants, which are located within a supplier park adjacent to the Ford India assembly plant, had their openings today to commemorate the launch of operations. Company officials were joined by customers and local dignitaries in a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

 “Today represents another exciting step forward in the growth and development of Magna’s business in India,” said Jim Tobin, chief marketing officer and president of Magna Asia. “We continue to expand our footprint – in sales, engineering, program management and manufacturing – to align with our customers and the increasing vehicle production forecast for the India automotive industry.”

At one of the new Sanand facilities, Magna assembles and provides just-in-time delivery of complete seat systems for Ford India. The 215,000-square-foot plant is expected to employ approximately 200 people at full production to produce approximately 240,000 complete seat systems per year.

At the second new facility in Sanand, the company manufactures body and chassis systems for Ford India. The 356,000-square-foot plant is expected to employ approximately 400 people at full production.

While the new plants reflect business awards for vehicles that are built from global-platform architectures, they also help position Magna for further growth in India as vehicle production expands. Magna’s current presence in India includes approximately 1,600 employees. Including the two new Sanand facilities, Magna has 11 manufacturing locations and three engineering centres.