September 2005 · nº 43

Looking after our environment

Ergonomics and Comfort With open doors

NEWS Published by Grupo Antolin

Grupo Antolín is an international company at the cutting edge of design and production of components for car interiors for the automobile industry.. It is present in 20 countries and has a workforce of more than 10,000 employees.

EDITOR Grupo Antolin Human Resources Department Carretera Madrid Irún, km. 244,8 E 09007 BURGOS - Tel. 34 947 47 77 00 Fax: 34 947 47 79 48 www.grupoantolin.com

DIRECTION Human Resources Department Eva Romero · [email protected]

DESIGN Germán Delgado · [email protected]

PHOTOGRAPHY Rafa Sáiz

PRINTED BY COIMAN C/ Marqués de Portugalete, 16 E 28027 MADRID - ESPAÑA Tel. 34 91 742 12 03 Fax: 34 91 742 67 81 Summary

page 3 first person

page 4 cover Looking after our environment

page 8 in the spotlight Working for Grupo Antolin from Ford Cologne

page 9 special feature Department of Corporate Development

page 14 the photo Open doors

page 16 designing the future Ergonomics and comfort

page 18 history corner SKODA celebrates its 100th anniversary

page 19 in brief News in brief

page 25 health Does autumn influence our health?

page 26 en route “”, land of enchantment

2 news grupo antolin · september 2005

Ernesto Antolin Vice-Chairman

Aware of the need to adapt to the progressive demands of the market, our company con- siders one key factor to be considerable improvement in all aspects relating to the Quality of its products and services.

The current criteria for Quality, and the ratios associated with these, not only require lev- els to be reached that are tremendously demanding in terms of Quality in supplying client manufacturing plants (PPM) - the ratio that might be reached by applying barriers to faulty products, by strengthening and multiplying the final controls - but they also demand efficiency and the lack of defects throughout the entire life cycle of the product.

Quality should be present and form the prime subject of attention right from the Project stage, designing, projecting and validating reliable products and processes, subsequently moving on to mass production during which our plants rigorously apply methodologies that avoid faulty parts being produced, both through their own output and also by con- trolling materials and components that come from outside sources, right up to the final stages of guarantee, which are becoming more and more committed as our supplies are enhanced with modular products that are high in technological content.

Our company, which has always been known for being at the forefront of such a chang- ...in first person ing environment, has developed a more advanced approach to Quality management over the past few months set within the context of a global analysis of the new organisation.

Such a model has the capacity to act throughout the entire life cycle of the product, from its most advanced phases of conception and development, having an effect on suppliers, product, client, and end users. The development of this model should allow us to respond to the demands of the market, by updating and improving our existing tools and methodologies.

In order to achieve maximum efficiency, it is essential to broaden the use of other Quality management tools, such as reliability and the analysis of guarantees, amongst others.

But it is clear that this structural updating cannot of its own accord achieve the ambitious objectives of Quality that are demanded of us by the market. It is necessary to count on the collaboration and commitment of all of you. Let us all help position our Company as a market reference for Quality, placing it in the position of competitive advantage that we all desire.

I am sure I can count on your collaboration so that the current activities and those soon to be launched allow the targets set to be achieve.

september 2005 · news grupo antolin 3

COVER

All general industrial activity generates waste products, the treatment of which causes an important environmental and economic impact, which, together with increasing legal demands, make it necessary to look for alternatives that are compatible with sustainable development. Given this situation and in keeping with its environmental policy, Grupo Antolin has implemented a series of activities designed to reduce waste, improving the company image, reducing the impact of our activity, and resulting in economic savings. Looking after our environment

The first of these activities was initially started in 1998 by the Head- ment factories, to the production of various composites for liner Department (currently the Department of Headliner Products) different applications such as, for instance, engine soundproof- for the purpose of recycling headliner cuttings. It was decided at ing systems under the bonnet and injection parts. that time to make chipboard using adhesives that were similar to the ones used for headliner fibre. The final destination of Finally, it was decided to take the option of making chipboard us- these boards was for manufacturing the headliner. These boards ing powder thermosetting resins, which improve the properties were tested in prefabricated housing and false ceilings but the strict of the previous board, obtaining a more competitive product. requirements for behaviour to fire put paid to this application. GRUPO ANTOLIN will send all its cuttings to the ASH Headliner From 2001 onwards, the Department of Organic Materials joined Recycling company, where they will be processed and converted the project, from the Research Department (now known as DIM). once again into material that can be used in new applications. Together with the Department of Headliner Products, new chan- The Department of Corporate Development coordinates and nels were opened up ranging from their simple incineration in ce- manages this project within GRUPO ANTOLIN.

4 news grupo antolin · september 2005

Process Unloading the bundles Shredding of cutting and shredding the Fromstep the production lines, the cuttings headliner cuttings are1 placed in a step shredder where they are shredded and The bundles are unloaded2 at ASH, subsequently taken to a plant that stripped of their metal band and milled makes them up into bundles, to make again to achieve the best size of their transportation as easy as possible. particle for manufacturing the board.

ASH is located in the town of Ágreda (Soria), where the 12 tons of chippings will be processed that are collected daily from the manufacture of headliners using Glassutec technology at Grupo Antolin Eurotrim and at Grupo Antolin Autotrim, in an initial state. Subsequently, the cuttings from other companies within the Group can then be processed.

Mixturstepe of binding resins The batch is taken to3 a silo for storage, from where it is fed into a mixer in which it is blended together with two different types of resin.

Shapingstep and production4 The mixture is placed on a belt forming a blanket which is taken inside the hot plate press, where it is compacted, producing the board.

The press automatically unloads the board on to a conveyor belt at the end of which there is a “pick-up” that piles the cut boards on to pallets that are taken to the cooling area over a roller path, from where they will subsequently be taken to the storage area.

september 2005 · news grupo antolin 5

Product

The basic properties of the board are as follows: · Dimensional stability (it does not swell up in extreme conditions of high humidity and temperature). · It cannot be attacked by insects · Good fire-proof properties (M2). · High level of absorption of noise of impact.. · Better acoustic insulation than other wood composites. · It can be coated with layers of all types (paints or glues) and anchorage systems. · Good thermal insulation.

The product that is obtained is a board (with an appearance that is very similar to wooden chipboard), with variable density and thickness depending on the demands of the client.

Thanks to its excellent properties, the board can be used In order to attend to the demands of our potential clients, as a substitute for wood in a large number of appli- numerous boards have been produced by hand as samples cations, for instance, as a base in floating parquet or for at our Research plant, as can be seen in the photos. walls, floors and ceilings in prefabricated houses or even for the floors of industrial vehicles and public trans- We would like to point out that during the month of port. In short, for any application in which a ma- July 240 boards were produced in this fashion, and an- terial is required with excellent water and acoustic other batch has been produced during the month of properties. October.

6 news grupo antolin · september 2005

However we have not stopped here. There are other companies in the Group devoted to manufacturing plastic headliners and parts that have set initiatives in motion for recycling their waste products.

A good example is GRUPO ANTOLIN IGA, which has managed to send its polyurethane foam cuttings to a company in Ger- many devoted to the production of acoustic insulation for build- ings, although in the near future it may be possible for ASH to use it as a raw material. In this way, it is possible to avoid 150 tonnes ending up on the dump each year.

With this aim in mind, IGA has developed a plant for producing briquettes. The equipment, located in the foaming bay, has a chute in which, once loaded, the waste product is shredded and passed through a laminator to increase its density threefold. Finally, the waste product is sent to a press to obtain the briquettes.

With this machine, the volume of the waste can be reduced 28 times. Or what amounts to the same thing, the waste that was previously placed in two 30m3 industrial contain- ers can now fit inside a large 2 m3 big-bag.

The efforts of GRUPO ANTOLIN ARAGUSA aimed at recy- cling waste products have also contributed to important progress where the environment is concerned. In their injec- tion process for plastic parts, there is an inevitable rejection of polypropylene parts with material representing 70% of its waste products. This used to be sent to the dump.

In 2002 they started to look for ways to re-use or take advantage of this waste product. Since then, samples have been present- ed to outside companies for the re-use of plastic or to make use of the energy as fuel in cement plants or gasification plants. After several negative results, which did not deter them from continuing with their research, the solution was obtained in May 2005 after contacting a company in Barcelona devoted to making various plastic products, basically for auto parts.

The waste will be used for manufacturing a bi-laminated or tri-laminated product that has a layer of polypropylene, on top of which is placed a textile material. This is thermoformed and parts can be made for the boot of the vehicle. It will also be used to coat a multi-layer wooden structure designed for the building industry. It can provide an option to the recycled board in headliners that are shortly to be made by ASH, from 2006 on- wards.

All these initiatives reflect the efforts of the Group to minimise the environmental impact of our activities.

With the collaboration of: Fernando Orden (Corporate Development Direction), Luis M. de Juan (DIM), Carolina Valdivielso (Quality Department), Begoña García (GA Aragusa) and Alexandre Mechelaere (GA IGA) september 2005 · news grupo antolin 7

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

With the increase in standards of quality demanded for the components supplied by our company, it is essential for there to be even closer collaboration with our clients. In this way they can be given guidance on the best technologies to apply, in which it will be the parts for their vehicles, as well as the parameters that they should use in design, so that these can be produced at the highest level of perfection possible and for the successful life of the product. In order to do this, Grupo Antolin has a series of resident engineers at several of its clients' plants actively working on the concept and development of new components for the car industry. Working for Grupo Antolin from Ford Cologne

Rafael Brotóns

problems in the design concept, the first surfaces are launched for the interior parts of the vehicle, such as those of the brackets, windows, seats, instrument panel, and, of course, the internal lining of the headliner, consoles and other parts entrusted to Grupo Antolín. We work hard on these surfaces until they reach level 1B and then they are frozen so that a 3D model can be made of the parts. Our team has also taken on this respon- sibility for the projects we have been working on, these being the new Ford Galaxy (CD340 SAV and LMV), with its 5 different moulds, and the future Mondeo 2007, which has 5 and 4-door and station wagon models. For this last project, we have gen- erated 9 different definitions for the mould.

These 3D models are sent to the main office, where other col- leagues will be responsible for creating suitable definitions for the Through these words I would like to present one of these teams moulds to produce the parts required. With this we reach the of resident engineers. To be specific, the one I belong to, located end, theoretically-speaking, of the work carried out by the within the installations that the Ford Motor Company owns in team of resident engineers at the client's plant. It will then on- the German city of Cologne. Currently working there (from ly be necessary to collect the computers, workstations, and … go left to right in the photo) are John Hoggarth, Atul Walvekar, Man- off to launch the vehicle at the pilot plant selected by the client. fred Schmalz, Thomas Verneville, Rafael Brotóns and Miguel Sal- If this is not the case, another team of colleagues will take it over vador. This team has the task, based on the first line to be while we get ready to admire the model of the next vehicle to be launched on the screens at the workstations, of designing the prepared by Ford to surprise us yet again. Right now this team definitions of the modular headliners that Ford will mount in is focused on finalising the last few details of the new Mon- its models over the next few years. deo, and on two new projects, a C-MAX model with panoram- ic headliner that will come on to the market in 2007, and on Our work starts when the client produces a life-sized clay mod- an 'off-road' vehicle, also based on the C-MAX platform. This will el of the car to be developed. Then we proceed to scan the involve a further 4 mould definitions and a wonderful oppor- surfaces of this model and use this to produce the first digital tunity to demonstrate once again what we are capable of do- components of the vehicle. On top of these surfaces are de- ing when we work so closely in a team as we have been doing fined a series of Master Sections, on which each company re- until now. lated to the development of the new model has to work, since they need to incorporate their own respective parts. When the I wish you all the best from Cologne and in particular to all the consistency of the sections shows that there are no significant other resident teams at plants belonging to our clients.

8 news grupo antolin · septiembre 2005

SPECIAL FEATURE

Department of Corporate Development

(From left to right) Alvaro Godino, Ramiro Orcajo, Carlos Gutierrez, Fernando Orden and Carlos Cuesta

· Operations Section. This is respon- sible for managing the companies (both industrial and non-industrial), and re- sources (human, financial, technical, etc) to achieve the objectives that have been Corporate Development Director Ramiro Orcajo González set within the defined corporate strategy, once the activity has been launched.

The Corporate Development Direction was set up as a · Analysis and Control Section.This is responsible for analysing the project, result of the new organisation of Grupo Antolin launched drawing up the Business Plans, filtering in 2005. This new Department is organised into areas opportunities, and also for the control and financial monitoring of the compa- that are as different as Grupo Antolin Transport, Grupo nies and projects dependent on the DCD. Antolin Corporate Development and Diversification, · Marketing Section. This is responsi- which shapes up as a unit for the analysis, launch and ble for the strategy and commercial ac- tivity of the companies dependent on the start-up of new projects, and also the development of DCD to achieve the objectives that have those projects that do not fall directly into line with the been outlined. main activity of the Group (production of headliners, · Projects Section. This is responsible doors and seats for the car industry). From an for launching, steering and managing all the projects (business ideas, etc.) organisational viewpoint, the DCD is divided into four that arise within the DCD until their managerial sections (operations, analysis and control, materialisation and implementation, when they move to the Operations marketing and projects): Section.

septiembre 2005 · news grupo antolin 9

Grupo Antolin Transport

A newly-named company (run by Hervé Sonneville) that includes the activities of FFI (design and production of train seats) and of Savigneux (production of foam products) for everything related to railways, aeronautics, and also to buses and coaches, this being the seed that will germinate into what will shortly become the reference for this sector.

Railway market Aeronautical Bus and market coach market · Complete seats. · Seat linings. · Complete seats. · Complete seats. · Foam products with or without · Seat linings. · Seat linings. fireproof protection. · Foam products with or without · Foam products with or without · Covers fireproof protection. fireproof protection. · Interior design · Covers · Covers.

10 news grupo antolin · september 2005

The main projects currently in production are:

· TGV Duplex 2e CL - SNCF · Ter 2n 2e &1 Cl. - SNCF France · WCML Pendolino Cross Country Voyager- Virgin Main clients of UK Grupo Antolin · Midland Main line Transport in UK 2004. · TAV S-104 RENFE Spain · X40 -SJ AB · Transilien Z20500GCO SNCF France · C135 Different Ireland views of rail projects in · New Pendolino progress. Italy · London Underground - VlU UK · AGC regional trains France · Tranvía CITADIS France · AIRFRANCE France

The train seats come in three ranges (Asiano, Alcea, and Apremia), with all the possible variations within each configuration.

Apremia Range Alcea Range Asiano Range

september 2005 · news grupo antolin 11

Grupo Antolin is firmly set on becoming a reference on a global scale for the sec- tors in which it has a presence, incorpo- rating new ideas in weight-reduction, in the use of new materials, and in er- gonomic and innovative design, render- ing maintenance work much easier, without forgetting the need to do so in a financially competitive context.

Of course we are not capable of doing all of this on our own, which is why we also have companies on our teams that are leaders in their own sectors (design, ergonomics, simulation, static, dynam- ic and destructive tests, etc.), which pro- vide us with the know-how and expe- rience required to complete each of the projects successfully.

We have also created

A group of companies who share the same interest. Interior design for trains. In which Grupo Antolin Transport leads the way with projects for interior design and functional integration.

Grupo Antolin Corporate Development

Grupo Antolin Corporate Development is un- become European leader. This leads to the cre- derstood to mean all the non-integrated new ation of Grupo Antolin Magnesio, now under products with the three basic product lines (Head- construction and located in Burgos, and expect- liners, Doors, Seats), the new incorporations in re- ed to become operative in the first quarter of gions not covered by the current areas, the new 2006. Here parts will be injected with magne- incorporations of new projects (different ones for sium for the car, rail, and aeronautical industries, headliners, doors and seats), collaboration agree- and for other technological sectors, whose de- ments and/or Joint Ventures, inter-territorial deal- mand is increasing all the time for new materi- locations (in a steering and/or coordinating capac- als that are capable of achieving a significant re- ity), an analysis of the acquisition of companies, duction in weight, while maintaining and even as well as the search for new opportunities that exceeding the technical requirements for the meet the criteria for established profitability and materials they are replacing. strategic reserve. · ASH reciclado de techos, a company that Within this framework, there are a series of proj- will commence operations during the first ects in various stages of development, amongst quarter of 2006, where boards will be made which we can draw attention to the following: that can be used in various sectors as a re- placement product with better technical spec- · Grupo Antolin is banking heavily on the devel- ifications than the products being replaced, us- opment and industrialisation of structural high- ing the cuttings and scraps from headliner performance magnesium parts, in its hope to productions.

12 news grupo antolin · september 2005

Don't Forget! Write your name and surnames, your age and the company from which Christmas you are participating on the back 2005 11 th Art Competition

Who can take How are the And the prizes? part? entries selected?

The children of employees from any There are 3 phases: Phase 1 (com- The prize-giving ceremony will of the companies in the Group, pany level). The panel of judges * take place in the Hall (Salón de whose age is included in one of from each company shall make a pre- Actos) at the Main Office of these two categories: selection from all the work received, Grupo Antolin. CATEGORY A: from 5 to 7 years old choosing a single winning picture for CATEGORY B: from 8to 11 years old. each of the two fixed categories. 1st Prize: A trip for three All works, indicating the winning pic- people. ture in each category, should be re- ceived at the following address before 2nd Prize: A bicycle in- Where? Monday 17th October 2005: cluding all the kit.

Each company will contact the par- Art Competition 3rd Prize: A mini Hi-Fi ticipants and supply the material need- GRUPO ANTOLIN system. ed to do the pictures in their own in- Human Resource Department stallations, with a small tea party at the Carretera Madrid-Irún, Km 244,8 Consolation prize: A watch. end. 09007 BURGOS - SPAIN The work should be handed in to the All participants will receive a gift, company where the participant's fa- Phase 2 (regional level): A winning and there will also be RAFFLE ther and / or mother is employed on picture will be selected from for everyone to take part in. the date set by such company. amongst the winners from each company, for each category and for All pictures received will be dis- each of the following regions: played in the foyer of the What will assessed Group's Main Office. · and SOUTH AMERiCA in the picture? · · AFRiCA, ASiA and the PACiFiC The picture should contain motifs that are associated with Christmas And finally, Phase 3 (Group level): and bear a relationship with the ac- tivity of the company and / or the car Once the winning pictures have been industry. The panel will judge the selected for each region, the panel works presented for originality, cre- of judges will select a first, second and ativity and use of colour. Only origi- third prize for each category. nal drawings should be presented (NO COPIES will be accepted) and the size of the paper used should be DiN-A 4 or folio.

*Where any of the persons forming part of the panel of judges is related in any way to any of the children taking part, they will be replaced by another person.

september 2005 · news grupo antolin 13

THE PHOTO

14 news grupo antolin · september 2005

Open Doors

Showing our families round our workpla- ce is the main objective of the Open Do- ors event, which has been organised for some time now in our Group. Recently Grupo Antolin-Plasbur (in the photo) and Grupo Antolin-Kent have develo- ped this initiative. (Read more on page 23)

september 2005 · news grupo antolin 15

DESIGNING THE FUTURE

Ergonomics and Comfort

It is no longer merely a question of a human being adapting to a product, but that the product itself should adapt to the conditions of use by the human being. Gradually, ergonomics and comfort are becoming more and more relevant in the design of car interiors. Their purpose is to design work areas that can help individuals carry out their tasks perfectly and to adapt products, systems, jobs, and environments to the characteristics, limitations, and needs of the users, seeking their safety, efficiency and comfort.

Omar Lugo Grupo Antolin Ingeniería – DIM

Examples of studies being carried out

Distance to door handles

Study on handles

Analysis of access and exit from back seats

16 news grupo antolin · september 2005

The Department of Industrial Design at Grupo Antolin focuses on ergonomics and comfort from two different angles: Objective ergonomic studies

In this type of study the components are studied without considering the opinion of the user. The data is obtained through Measuring simulation using computer programs and the pressure specific measuring equipment. Subjective ergonomic studies

This type of study is conducted to assess the degree of comfort perceived by the user.

The data is obtained by conducting surveys in which the component that is to be man- ufactured is submitted for evaluation along with the overall shape of the vehicle.

These studies allow us to analyse and design those components inside the car that interact and are sus- ceptible to handling by the occupants. When it comes to designing, not only are the shapes tak- en into consideration but also the search and selec- tion of new materials that allow us to innovate and become more competitive.

These items may be consoles, seats, panels, con- trols, handles, buttons, etc. As far as comfort is con- cerned, the component that is of most relevance is the seat, as it becomes the interface between the vehicle and the user. Its high degree of subjectivi- ty entails a more complex analysis than for the oth- er products, since it is essential to make the seat adapt as much as possible to its environment. This implies focusing the analysis on how comfort- able the seat is in two different ways: static studies and dynamic studies. These studies analyse the hardness of the cushion and backrest, a feature Graphic representation of areas of pressure that has an enormous influence on comfort. These studies can avoid possible problems and pains on long journeys. Also taken into account is the tem- perature, which may be influenced by poor tran- spirability or ventilation, by the use of inadequate materials, irritating vibrations, etc. Controlling these factors will help us to obtain an improvement in the final product.

Ergonomics and Comfort not only form a powerful tool that makes us more competi- Comfort angles tive in this sector, but also help us to design products that are sensitive to the demands of the user.

september 2005 · news grupo antolin 17

HISTORY CORNER SKODA celebrates its100th anniversary

Rosalía Arribas Grupo Antolin – DIM Josef Janeba Grupo Antolin – Bohemia (KAM Skoda)

Skoda cars have now been travelling the roads of practically the whole world for one century. Today we would like to pay a small tribute to a make of car that Grupo Antolin has accompanied both as a supplier and as a friend along part of this intense journey lasting 100 years.

1905 – 1917 It was in the year 1885 when Václav Kle- duction is begun at the Skoda plants, which ment and Václav Laurin started to make was a real novelty at that time, enabling up and repair bicycles in Mlada Boleslav (Bo- to 85 vehicles to be produced a day. hemia). A few years later they were already building machines with two wheels and 1934: 4 new models appear: Skoda Pop- an engine called motorcycles. These were ular, Skoda Rapid, Skoda Favorit, and Sko- the first motorbikes ever built in what was da 640 Superb. then Austria-Hungary. 1939 – 1949 1905: The first cars that started to be man- At the beginning of the Second World then on, Skoda started to market a large ufactured under the name “Voiturette A” War, the Republic of Czechoslovakia di- number of models, even manufacturing were models with 7 horsepower. vides into two parts: an autonomous Slo- 4x4s, which were christened “Trekka” and vakian state with a pro-Nazi regime, with “Skopak” (Skoda Pakistan) in various coun- 1911: Production of the “S”, a car that the rest of the territory joining the Third tries around the world, made from parts was mass-produced, simple and reliable. Reich, and becoming the protectorate of that were imported from Mlada Boleslav. Bohemia-Moravia. 1918 – 1938 1988: Marketing of the Skoda “Favorit”, After the end of the war, we witness the On 28th August 1939, the entire Skoda a vehicle that was very successful both in creation of the Republic of Czechoslova- group falls into the hands of “Reichswerke Czechoslovakia and abroad. kia. In the early years straight after the war, Hermann Göring AG”, after which the cars were considered to be a social luxu- factory starts to make war material: wings 1990 – 1999 ry. In those days, Laurin & Klemen’s most for aeroplanes, engines for tractors, mor- Skoda starts to look for a foreign partner successful commercial product was the tar bombs, etc. At the end of the war, that can bring both capital and know-how “Excelsior”, a motorised plough. despite the factories being in a virtual state to the business. Renault and Volkswa- of ruin, updated versions of the Skoda gen emerge as the most solid candidates. 1923: Development of an average type Popular start to be manufactured again. On 16th April 1991 the Volkswagen Con- of car, the “100”, based on the “S”. In sortium is incorporated into Skoda’s cap- 1924, at the request of the Czech gov- In autumn 1945 large companies are na- ital stock. Two years later, in 1993, we wit- ernment, L&K start building aircraft engines tionalised, including the plants owned by ness the division of Czechoslovakia into under license. One year later, Laurin & Kle- Skoda Pilsen in Mlada Boleslav, which are two new states, and the state that men merge with the plants owned by Sko- re-named AZNP (nationalised car factories). is known as the today. da Pilsen, founded by the engineer, Emil Skoda. From the thirties onwards, mass pro- 1949: Skoda presents the model 1102 1995: The “Favorit” stops being manu- with a gear stick beneath the steering factured and the “Felicia” goes into produc- wheel, which was taken as being synony- tion. More than 1.4 million models will be mous with modernity at that time. manufactured between 1994 and 2001. On 14th February 1995, the first stone is 1950 – 1989 laid for a new plant to be built for the as- In 1952 Skoda presented the Sedan 1200. sembly of the Skoda Octavia, to be followed Its metal structure, in comparison with the by the first Octavia Combi and the Octavia combination of wood and metal used up Laurin & Klemen, the most luxurious ver- until that time, was a real novelty. From sion of this series of models. Then in 1998

18 news grupo antolin · september 2005

NEWS IN BRIEF

the business name of Skoda is changed to its current name: Skoda Auto a.s. News in

1999: The Skoda Fabia makes its world- wide debut at the 58th Motor Show in Frankfurt, introducing new standards Brief for its category.

2000 – 2006 In 2000, Skoda founds the first (and un- til now the only) Business University in the Czech Republic, so as to offer top-level training to future and present employees of the company. The following year, it

presents a new luxury saloon car, going under the name of “Superb”, which has a long tradition in Skoda. After 60 years’ absence, Skoda once again enters the top Year. The magazine, COMPUT- range bracket. ER WORLD, the doyen in our country and possibly the one 2003: Presentation of the “Roomster” pro- enjoying greatest prestige in totype at the IAA, which will inspire the the field of Information Tech- aesthetic design of the make’s family range. nologies (ITs), awards these prizes every year, announcing The Geneva Motor Show in 2004 pro- the winners during the pro- vides a context for presenting the new ceedings of its annual confer- Octavia, which is characterised by a more ence, a forum in which trends modern design, greater habitability and and strategies are presented the latest technology. CEO of the and analysed in the field of ITs. 2005: The “Skoda Yeti” study on style The panel of judges, formed is presented at the 100th Motor Show year Prize by analysts from the maga- in Geneva, and the Cabrio version at the zine and partners collaborat- Frankfurt Motor Show. After a century awarded by ing in awarding these prizes in production, Skoda emerges as one of (MICROSOFT, NORTEL, Volkswagen’s main pillars, with sales that Computer UNISYS, EMC, SECUWARE, continue to rise, and good news concern- etc.) resolved to confer this ing the extension of plants and increase World award on our president in in the number of jobs. recognition, in the words of the panel themselves, “of his 2006: Output at Skoda this year is expect- At the end of last June, dur- career and work steering the ed to exceed 500,000 cars per year, a fig- ing the course of the 11th In- process of growth and inter- ure that is outstanding in the history of ternational Conference of nationalisation of GRUPO this manufacturer, since it is the first time COMPUTER WORLD, GRUPO ANTOLIN and the relevant that they have aspired to this level of ANTOLIN, through our Presi- role played by the strategy in- turnover. Congratulations Skoda for your dent, José Antolin, was award- volving information technolo- 100th anniversary! ed the prize for CEO of the gies in such process”.

september 2005 · news grupo antolin 19

Electronics and lighting by Grupo Antolin come to fruition in North America

Products involving Electron- ing to the American Federal ics (sliding motor system) and Directive), which will place us Lighting (Consoles with at the vanguard of technolo- An unforgettable trip… LEDs and lightbulbs) result- gy and out in front of our ing from Research Programs competitors. We are backing Prizes in the 2004 Art conducted over the past few up our success with Ford's CD years have come to fruition in program, and through our Competition the projects on door and head- technical network/pressure liner modules made by from clients, there is great po- GANA, increasing the added tential for the growth of our value of our products. electronic business. We are Two different destinations going all out to promote the but only one conclusion: It The Electronics group in idea of total integration of the was a fantastic trip! Inés Grupo Antolin-North America electronics for the door in the Rosen (GA France) had the was set up in March 2004 in window motor, which would opportunity to meet Mick- support of the development broaden our business portfo- ey and his friends in Disney- of the Window System for lio and lead to a much high- land Paris, while Virginia Ford's CD program. The Elec- er level of profitability. With re- García (GA Dapsa) enjoyed tronics group has successful- spect to our future, the herself with Tweety Pie, ly developed both the hard- Electronics group is develop- Sylvester the Cat and the ware and software for the ing a module of overhead Tasmanian Devil in Warner Ford Lincoln. This would not lighting using high-powered, Bros Park in Madrid. have been possible without white LEDs. the huge and constant sup- port of our colleagues from We are also supporting our the electronics group in Bur- seat group by developing a gos. The motherboard we de- very sophisticated, electrical signed will be made by our as- seat system with an integrat- sociate, Motorola. The result ed heating / cooling system, is an optimised standard slid- twin airbags for the safety of ing system at the forefront of the occupants, and a control our industry. This program module for the seat with a was launched on 1st August memory option. This concept 2005 in Hermosillo, Mexico. will be a prototype for a seat However, we have not rest- that we hope to complete at ed on our laurels, but are now the end of October 2005. We doing our utmost to develop hope to be able to share more a sliding system with top-qual- exciting news on electronics in ity features (level S5, accord- future news reports.

20 news grupo antolin · september 2005

EXPLANATORY NOTE In the last issue of NEWS, we omitted the name of two GBs from the DMAIC Department that graduated from Grupo Antolin- R&A, having been trained by Black Belt, Mª Cristina Laguna Coloma. Rubén Lázaro Rodríguez and Raquel Tirado Alconero

A Brilliant Season

The main office of the Group can feel proud of having goods sportsmen in its “ranks”. To The Capev potential foreign investors per day, the company carries take a case in point, the five- and supporting local indus- out its activity with a spirit of a-side football team, Grupo visits tries. Having been invited by continuous improvement and Antolin-A was runner-up in the the CAPEV, 10 foreign jour- a constant commitment to league and the winner of the Grupo nalists from the USA, Japan, protecting the environment. cup, having had to play against Brazil, Israel and also from Their initiative, integration the 48 teams that took part in Antolin Germany, Poland and the and innovation enable them this championship. And with Maghreb countries visited the to anticipate future technolo- respect to beach volley, for the department of Les Vosges on gies, to develop their Re- ninth year running, our col- Vosges 27th May 2005. On this occa- search and Development De- leagues, also from the main of- sion they were welcomed by partment and finally, to fice, participated in the Beach Specialising in sunshades for the Grupo Antolin Vosges, the conquer the global markets. volley tournament “City of Bur- car industry, the plant at Rupt only company they visited This type of management gos”, finishing as runners-up in sur Moselle is a source of pride while they were there. Our generates the publication of the championship. for Grupo Antolin. Having factory was selected because a number of articles on the made tremendous progress over of its experience, its potential part of foreign news media. the past few years, Grupo An- and its values, to represent The purpose of Grupo Antolin tolin Vosges is a point of refer- the companies in the region Vosges is for people to come ence both at departmental and of Les Vosges. to know and equate the plant regional level. Their sales fig- at Les Vosges as a global spe- ures, which rose from 20 million With 400 employees and an cialist in the field of sun- € in 2001 to 53.5 million € in output of 43,000 sunshades shades. 2004, are proof of this.

For this reason, the CAPEV contacted Mr BODAR, direc- New tor of the Factory, to organise a publicity day. The CAPEV ISO 14001 (Centro de acondicionamien- to, de promoción y de expan- certificate sión de los Vosgos - Centre for rehabilitation, promotion and expansion of Les Vosges), Grupo Antolin-Turnov has which depends on the Min- just obtained an environmen- istry of Industry, has the pur- tal certificate in accordance pose of highlighting the im- with ISO standard 14001. age of Les Vosges, promoting the department abroad with CONGRATULATIONS!

september 2005 · news grupo antolin 21

the second half, with the score at 3-all, when the goals - one by Raúl and two scored by Edu fol- lowing brilliant play by the whole team, brought the phys- ical stamina of the members Grupo Antolin - Illinois of the Grupo Antolin team down, an opportunity that was is growing seized by SEAT- Client, who, apart from being a rival - Strengthening surged ahead to forge a gap in the scoreboard, finally win- Grupo Antolin - Illinois. What The whole staff has worked bonds ning by 7 goals to 3. an exciting time it is for us! The as a team to get the produc- plant started to be built in Sep- tion lines up and running Once again we have been able It should be mentioned that the tember 2004 in Belvidere, Illi- correctly. Grupo Antolin - Illi- to attend the 4th Football Tourna- match was fought in a friendly nois, USA. Since then, the nois will supply the door ment between SEAT and Grupo atmosphere, with a great show plant has slowly been growing modules for three vehicles Antolin at the sports installations of technical skill that was ap- until finally it has become a re- by Daimler Chrysler: Dodge owned by the client in the Duty- plauded by the spectators. When ally fashionable JIT. Caliber, Jeep Patriot and Free Zone in Barcelona. the match was over, our col- Jeep Compass. It is expected league, Marcelo, presented the As the production lines and that total annual output will This year the team basically Champion's Trophy to the most storage systems have gradu- be around 388,000 vehicles consisted of personnel from senior representative of SEAT. ally been set up, so enthu- and will start in December Grupo Antolin-Martorell, with siasm has steadily grown. this year. the signing of Marcelo Sanz SEAT has offered us another from Grupo Antolin (main of- challenge for Christmas, but we fice) and Joaquín Gazquez from have agreed with them that un- Grupo Antolin-Eurotrim. From til next summer it will be impos- Grupo Antolin Martorell there sible for us to be in good shape was Rubén Mota, Cesar Car- but ...that the result will be very ranza, Raúl Ballesteros, Antonio different, unless Strategy deter- Dominguez, mines otherwise.

Miguel Ferrer, Antonio Sánchez We would like to point out that and Eduardo Navarro, with Paco in football we still feel we are on Alonso taking over as our Coach. the same wavelength with our Client as we are in our daily It was a lively, hard fought business, a fact that we are re- match until halfway through ally proud of.

22 news grupo antolin · september 2005

Visit to the 61st IAA With Motor Show in Frankfurt open doors

Contd. from pages 14 & 15 Five years after the first “Open Doors”, the event organised at Grupo Antolin Plasbur was a good opportunity to show off the factory's new instal- lations since they had two ex- Last month, on 25th Septem- tensions put on. After being ber, the latest edition of the Mo- welcomed by the manager, tor Show closed its doors in the guests proceeded to visit Frankfurt. A very Germanic the area of the injectors, the show, mainly characterised by warehouse for the finished the fact that it is the first to shed product, the area with the light on the novelties that are be- large injectors, the three-di- ing brought out by our German mensional measuring room clients, acting as a showcase for and the department of qual- the latest technologies being em- the Show included, amongst changes and new demands of ity assurance. The day end- braced by the industry's suppli- others, the Citröen C-Sport- our clients. As far as trends are ed with a gift for all those ers. This year, as a novelty, we Lounge, the Mini Concept concerned, panoramic head- present and a small reception. witnessed the presentation in and the Mazda Sassou. As liners have grown in popular- public of the first Chinese cars it mentioned in previous ity, and are no longer merely will be possible to purchase in newsletters, Grupo Antolin's a fashion gimmick, but have Europe in the near future. The Marketing and Design de- become a necessary “extra” Chinese have arrived…. partments, systematically at- that gives the car its person- tend the shows along with ality and light. The stars of the Show ranged the Electronics department, from the new Mercedes Class so as to echo the latest trends But perhaps the most signifi- S in luxury vehicles, to the Fi- in the industry as a source of cant novelty is the progressive at Grande Punto and the Re- inspiration in working on new increase in the offer of hybrid nault Clio III, in small vehicles, designs and products for our vehicles that are multiplying with the medium-sized vehi- clients. In these uncertain for economic and environ- cles including the new Honda times it has been our lot to mental reasons. For Grupo Antolin-Kent, it was Civic. With respect to four- live through, our activities not the first time, either. The wheel drives, the presentation should be channelled towards The few constructors that did whole team of people entrust- of the Audi Q7 stood out as guaranteeing our competi- not present their own hybrid ed with organising the Con- one of the highlights of the tiveness. anticipate presenting one at the gress went out of their way show with its three rows of next show. For further details, to organise a large number of seats turning it into the This encourages us to keep up you can find a comprehensive activities, including amongst biggest SUV made in Europe. with everything happening in dossier in Intranet on the inte- others, a mini goal, rodeo, and Some of the most outstand- our sector so that we will be rior of the cars that were a nov- inflatable football pitch. ing prototypes presented at capable of anticipating the elty at this IAA show. The manager also addressed a few words to the general Acknowledgements public and presented prizes In addition to the people expressly mentioned in these pages, we would like to thank the following to two employees of the year for their collaboration: (Alberto Arrieta and Paul Azucena Temiño (Medical Department - GA), Frantisek Hejlik (GA Turnov), Begoña Sáiz (GA Plasbur), Meakin) and also to the De- John Murphy (GA Kent), Carolina Oliván (DIM), Troy Curran and Ray Jergess (GA North America), partment of Quality Assur- Michael Gasey (GA Illinois), Nazaré Cunha (GA ), Eduardo Navarro (GA Martorell), ance as the best “UET” (Tech- Virginie Roret (GA Vosges), Francisco J. Mata (Door Dept). nical Company Unit).

september 2005 · news grupo antolin 23

7th “Avelino Antolin Memorial” Golf Trophy

Last July, the 7th edi- tion of the Golf Trophy in memory of Don Avelino Antolin took place at the installa- tions of the Lerma Golf Club (Burgos). As in previous championships, the number of players taking part was very high.

Scratch Doubles Champion First Classified Children's Doubles Daniel Del Pozo Grande and Enrique Acero Rupérez Santiago Yllera Alfaro and Gonzaga Olano Ibarreche (prize awarded by Ms Mª Helena Antolin) (prize awarded by Ms Pilar Arribas )

First Classified Doubles Second Classified Doubles Third Classified Doubles Pablo Temiño López-Jurado Jose Luis Martín Jiménez Mariano Guerra Valle and Alfred Richter and Gregorio Segurado Contra and Manuel Diaz De la Fuente (prize awarded by Mr José Antolin) (prize awarded by Mr Ernesto Antolin) (prize awarded by Mr José M. Temiño)

24 news grupo antolin · september 2005

HEALTH

Does Autumn have an influence on our health?

Although the return to work or study always has a tendency to lower virtually everyone's morale, for many people this utterly normal feeling of being depressed is compounded by other kinds of symptoms brought on by a change of season. It is estimated that 30% of the population suffer from what we call 'the Autumn blues'. Did you know that food is a key factor in overcoming this condition?

The change of season is the cause of a time the level of serotonin is reduced, the onset of autumn. , present in puls- kind of sadness that is typical of autumn, this being another hormone that has an es, cereals, meat and vegetables, is a ba- known as autumnal depression or, accord- effect on our state of mind. sic mineral for strengthening the organism, ing to the terminology used by other ex- and for this reason it should never be lack- perts, seasonal affective syndrome. A high level of melatonin has been shown ing in our diet, particularly during the au- Changes in life cycles deriving from a re- to cause a reduction in serotonin. That tumn season. Vitamins and minerals duction in daylight hours and the onset of would explain the sudden turn for the should also be present in our diet, and so cold weather are the cause of this psycho- worse that autumn brings about in a per- we should not skimp on a good stock of logical upset that affects mainly women son. The problem can worsen if the patient vegetables, fruit, cereals, and animal prod- between the ages of 25 and 45. has a tendency to suffer from depres- ucts. Furthermore, vitamin C is vital to avoid sion, since the mere reduction in hours falling prey to the common cold. Dried The most common symptoms are usual- of sunshine will be the natural factor that fruit, of which there is a huge variety on the ly demotivation, feeling sad, and a de- can spark off a new process of depression. market, precisely at this time of the year, pletion of one's normal energy levels. is fundamental for increasing our energy These symptoms, which are not a cause reserves in a healthy way. We should not for alarm and will disappear as the or- Food: a key factor forget proteins and carbohydrates, the best ganism adapts to the circumstances of the type of fuel for our bodies. new season, may become more serious The low body temperature leading to a with problems of concentration, sleep dis- high level of melatonin makes many peo- Neither should we forget to have a full orders, irritability, food disorders, dimin- ple that suffer from autumnal depression breakfast before starting the day. It will ished libido, amongst other signs. have a tendency to eat too much food help top up your energy levels: orange with a high calorie content. If this situation juice (vitamin C), fruit (vitamins and min- also includes anxiety, which generates a erals), cereals or toast (carbohydrates and feeling of sadness and the demotivation minerals) and white coffee (the coffee will Why it appears associated with this pathology, we can find wake you up and the milk will give you cases of serious food disorders (weight protein and calcium). The cause is to be found in ourselves and gain, poor digestion, stomach upsets, etc). in our own organism: depending on the Apart from an adequate diet, the experts available sunlight, the brain sends out In other cases, being in low spirits causes a recommend not letting yourself be swept instructions to certain hormones, partic- loss of appetite in the patient, so that it is away by this feeling of being run-down ularly melatonin, which deals with regu- very difficult for them to recover their de- and sad. Leading an active life and finding lating sleep patterns, body temperature, pleted energy on their own. Experts con- new stimuli for personal motivation may or the feeling of hunger. The production sider a good, healthy, well-ordered and bal- be key to enduring the new habits and of melatonin is greater when there are anced diet to be a key factor, to get over customs that emerge with the arrival of fewer daylight hours, and at the same the doldrums that are often present with autumn.

september 2005 · news grupo antolin 25

THE HISTORY CORNER “Minho”, land of enchantment

Grupo Antolin first introduced its presence in in 1992, the year in which construction began on the present installations. Our Portuguese company is located on the banks of the River Minho, very close to the border with Spain.

In this article we hope to take a closer look villages such as Soajo or Lindoso, with its at the places in the North West of Portu- imposing castle and collective granaries. gal that stand out for their really excep- tional landscape and for the hospitality Where accommodation is concerned, of the local people. there are also many different, good-qual- ity options available, ranging from camp Our route begins in the mountains, in sites to guest houses, including hostels, the Sierra de Gerês. This spot is a pro- “Villages of Portugal” and the forever tected area, ideal for spending a quiet hol- lovely country boarding houses. iday with the family. Its unmatched nat- ural beauty and warm The high rainfall often leads to the forma- unquestioningly make Gerês one of the tion of in high areas, as in the case of prettiest regions in the country. The di- the Laguna del Marinho. versity and abundance of its flora and fau- na bring us into contact with in a Following the river bank from the Por- way that is a unique and really enriching tuguese border, we make our way to experience for the whole family. Valença do Minho, a town that, many cen- turies ago, was an important frontier It is possible to go sailing on the Caniça- town, as can be seen very clearly from da , walking along the paths its imposing fortress, and from the fact through the rich vegetation, on organised that today it boasts an international iron excursions with a guide, or else visit quaint bridge over the river.

26 news grupo antolin · september 2005

Its old town is a conglomeration of streets music, as well as debates, conferences, 16th century, and also the manneristic and houses, where palaces stand along- and concerts that are put on in the church of the Misericordia (Our Lady of side the facades of buildings erected in the evenings. Mercy). The 15th century cathedral, and style prevalent during the reign of Manuel the Museo Municipal (local museum) are I (1469-1521). In the centre of the square, We can also pay a visit to the Aquamuseo some of Viana's other attractions. a Renaissance fountain, and customary (Water Museum), which is a tourist attrac- meeting point both for tourists and also tion that furthermore combines an educa- Leaving the town, in Campo do Castelo for the local inhabitants, and the build- tional approach with scientific research. can be seen the fort known as the Fuerte ing of the Concelho or Town Hall, dating Our journey comes to an end in Viana de Santiago da Barra, which protects back to the 16th century. do Castelo, located at the mouth of the Viana with its bastions. And finally, there River Lima, known as the “Princess of the is the last remaining sight, and perhaps Leaving Valença, our next stop along the River Lima”. the town's most sublime: the hill of San- way is Vila Nova de Cerveira, a town that ta Lucía. Rising to a height of over 200 is protected by walls, founded in 1320 Any time of the year is appropriate for vis- metres, it is possible to reach this sum- by King Dinis, the monarch that also lends iting this lovely town, although it is partic- mit by riding the funicular railway through his name to the magnificent inn installed ularly recommended during the third week the forest. Here we can see the remains inside the 16th century fortress. of August, when the town is festooned to of civilisations from the Iron Age, the neo- celebrate its patron saint, “Nossa Señora Byzantine basilica of Santa Lucía and With respect to Vila Nova, there is an in- da Agonia”. some captivating views of the mouth of teresting event that is worth of note: The the River Lima. International Biennial Art Festival, which In Viana do Castelo, previously known has just celebrated its 13th edition this as Viana da Foz do Lima, it is essential to What we have offered you here is just a year. The Biennial provides a meeting point take a pleasant stroll round its historic foretaste of what you can find in the area. for artists, through open workshops and old town, with the remarkable Praça da From Grupo Antolin-Lusitania we invite areas that are as diverse as digital arts, República, presided over by the town hall all the readers of “NEWS” to visit our ceramics, painting and design, sculpture, and a fountain, both dating back to the region.

Geography of Portugal Surface area 91,500 km2 Population There are currently around 11,000,000 inhabitants Language Portuguese Currency Euro Capital Lisbon

september 2005 · news grupo antolin 27 SPAIN Ardasa Grupo Antolin (Head Office) Grupo Antolin- Alava Grupo Antolin- Ara Grupo Antolin- Aragusa Grupo Antolin -Autotrim Grupo Antolin- Dapsa Grupo Antolin- Euroepsilon Grupo Antolin- Eurotrim Grupo Antolin- Ingenieria Grupo Antolin- Linara Grupo Antolin- Martorell Grupo Antolin- Navarra Grupo Antolin- Palencia Grupo Antolin- PGA Grupo Antolin- Plasbur Grupo Antolin- RyA

ARGENTINA IRAUTO

GERMANY Grupo Antolin- Autoform Grupo Antolin- Deutschland Grupo Antolin- Logistik Deutschland

BRAZIL Intertrim Iramec Trimtec

SLOVAkIA Grupo Antolin- Bratislava

FRANCE Grupo Antolin- FFI Grupo Antolin- France Grupo Antolin- HFR Grupo Antolin- IGA Grupo Antolin- Ingenierie Sieges Grupo Antolin- Logistique Douai Grupo Antolin- Loire Grupo Antolin- Vosges TANIS

PORTUGAL Grupo Antolin- Lusitania

UNITED KINGDOM Grupo Antolin- Kent Grupo Antolin- U.K.

CZECH REPUBLIC Grupo Antolin- Bohemia Grupo Antolin- Turnov

USA Grupo Antolin - Illinois Grupo Antolin- Kentucky Grupo Antolin- Louisiana Grupo Antolin- Michigan Grupo Antolin- North America Grupo Antolin- Wayne

MEXICO Grupo Antolin- Silao

CHINA Agency in Shanghai Antolin Shanghai Autoparts Chongqing Antolin Tuopu Overhead Systems (JV)

INDIA Krishna GrupoAntolin Grupo Antolin -Pune (Desing Centre) Grupo Antolin- Pune

IRAN (Technology License)

JAPAN Grupo Antolin- Japan

MORROCCO Grupo Antolin - Tangiers

SOUTH AFRICA Grupo Antolin- South Africa

THAILAND (Technology License)

TURKEY Ototrim