In an effort to support growth with new and existing European customers, American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM) will open a new 15,000-square-meter facility in the industrial area of Viladecans, Spain. Set to open in January 2019, the plant will produce powertrain components for Europe’s leading automakers, including Renault, BMW, Daimler, Porsche, Audi and Ford. The new facility consolidates two smaller facilities in nearby Gavà and will employ 170 associates at full capacity.

AAM Barcelona will produce a complete range of damper products, including compression dampers, PV-bonded dampers, isolation pulleys, in-mold bonded dampers and damped gears. AAM will produce damped gears for Ford, BMW and PSA; PV-bonded dampers for Audi, Mercedes and FCA; isolation pulleys for Renault; and in-mold bonded dampers for Mercedes, Ford and Porsche.

According to Detroit-based AAM, the new facility will help it meet customer demand for products that help reduce noise and vibrations from downsized engines. The plant will also allow AAM to improve operations through a lean and efficient layout and production flow.