02/11/2003 – HASSELT, Belgium, Europe

TDS automotive is very pleased to confirm a new business endeavor for TDS Saarwellingen under contract with The Kirchhoff Group.

The core technologies of Kirchhoff Group are in the fields of metal forming, welding, assembly and surface treatments. The company’s product portfolio includes manufacture of moldings, drawn parts and stampings.

Beginning March, 2003 TDS will provide receiving, warehousing, sub-assembly and JIT delivery services on behalf of Kirchhoff, supporting production of the brand new Ford Focus (C-MAX based Multi Activity Vehicle - MAV). Using robot cells and smaller welding machines TDS will perform spot welding to five modules, throughout a 3-shift operation.

TDS automotive Saarwellingen was launched in 1999 and provides both inbound and outbound logistics services. In addition to inbound deliveries to Ford’s Saarwellingen assembly plant, TDS packages Ford Focus body metal for export to Mexico and Argentina assembly locations.