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Winter · 2006/07 · nº 48
Grupo Antolin awarded Q-Innovauto Antolin-Tanger A future in northern Africa
Cooperating with Design Schools ELISAVA School 'Master Degree Show' 2006 Maqueta NOTICIASinglesa:Maquetación 1 7/2/07 07:34 Página 2
NEWS Published by Grupo Antolin
Grupo Antolin is an international company at the cutting edge of design and production of components for car interiors for the automobile industry. Present in 21 countries, it has a workforce of more than 10, 400 employees.
Legal Deposit: M-18594-2006
EDITORIAL BOARD Grupo Antolin Human Resources Department Carretera Madrid Irún, km. 244,8 E 09007 BURGOS - SPAIN Tel. 34 947 47 77 00 Fax: 34 947 47 79 48 www.grupoantolin.com
EDITORIAL OFFICE Human Resources Department Leticia Fernández · [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 in first person
page 4 cover 1st Prize Q innovauto 2005
page 7 protagonists Antolin-Tanger
page 9 report International mobility
page 12 designing the future Collaboration with Desing school
page 14 the history corner Mercedes-Benz
page 16 the photo Carbon Nanofibres
page 18 in brief News in brief
page 28 health Take it all in good humour
page 30 on the way India
2 news grupo antolin · winter 2007 Maqueta NOTICIASinglesa:Maquetación 1 7/2/07 07:16 Página 3
José Antolin Chairman
“"A job well done first time around"”
Once again we say goodbye to yet another year and usher in the new one that offers us the chance to go on developing together, consolidating a business project that now supports more than ten thousand families located in twenty-one countries.
In spite of the difficult times in which our most important clients are currently immersed, our Group was able to maintain its rate of growth in 2006 and, at the same time, achieve a positive profit margin, in sharp contrast with the grave situation of financial health being experienced by many companies in our sphere of activity at the moment.
It is precisely the successful global implantation of our company that has led to such a positive situation, with our adequate diversification strategy in terms of both regions and clients being a stabilising factor that guarantees our perennial continuation in the field and increases our capacity to ride out adverse market situations such as the ones the automobile industry in the West is currently going through. Such situations, moreover, will persist in the coming year and should lead us to adopt an aggressive attitude towards improving our costs, based essentially on optimising the significant efficiency of our expenditure and promoting our activities aimed at enhancing our processes, thereby achieving quality products in each operation that will eliminate the need for subsequent controls and rejections, with everyone assuming the indisputable objective of "a job well done first time around".
We have the skill and human capital to successfully tackle and overcome all these challenges and difficulties, and I am sure we will all put up a good display of our determination, effort, competence, motivation and willpower to achieve such aims.
Finally, I would like to convey to everyone working in Grupo Antolin my best wishes for peace and ...in first person happiness in 2007, along with my gratitude for all your effort and interest in continuing to help us all strive to go on developing together in this exciting Company.
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COVER
Grupo Antolin, 1st Prize Q innovauto 2005
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On 22nd December, Ernesto Antolin, Vice Chairman of the Group, received the Q-Innovauto Award for the Internal Quality Campaign “Quality Guardians” from SAQ. (Spanish Association of the Quality)
For the 11th Edition of the Congress on Quality and the Environment, organised by AEC, on 22nd and 23rd November in Bilbao, the challenges represented by quality and the environment of signifi- cance to the car industry were submitted for debate.
The prize-giving ceremony for the 2005 Q-Innovauto Awards took place during the first day of the Congress and in the middle of a session involving the partici- pation of the most important represen- tatives of the sector. Grupo Antolin received the prize for their Internal Congress on Quality Quality Campaign in the category of and an annual saving of 12,000 € a year, Diffusion and Awareness-Raising. they were able to find a solution for the and the Environment elimination of the waste produced when – A reference for the Our Group competed, amongst others, injecting the plastic in the medallion, by with Renault (Sevilla) and DaimlerChrysler re-using it in parts that are useful both Sector (Vitoria), who obtained second and third for building cars and for the auto-part prize in the same category, with all three industry, thus considerably reducing the offering an example of the high level both impact on the environment caused by the This Congress, which has been held every of the competitors and also the work difficulties involved in re-cycling it. year since 1996, is a reference for the presented. sector since it presents the latest Both prize and special mention were re- techniques and tools for quality being de- We would also like to draw attention to ceived by our Vice Chairman, Ernesto An- veloped by the companies to enhance the special mention afforded Grupo tolin, who had a meeting with executives their competitiveness. Antolin-Aragusa for the quality of the con- from SAQ, in which he confirmed that the tent of their work: “Re-use of Rejected activities of our Group reflect our firm de- Since last year the Environment has also Medallions“. With an investment of 0 € termination to promote Quality. been included since it is a demand that
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is becoming more and more urgent, with the sector now allocating more resources to this area, and strengthening its commitment with each passing day.
In this eleventh edition of the Congress, the event brought together more than 200 professionals, including members of Grupo Antolin. The SAQ car industry committee, formed by representatives from the car manufacturing industry and GRUPO ANTOLIN’S INTERNAL QUALITY CAMPAIGN also from auxiliary sectors, was respon- sible for organising the event. Firm support The conferences began with two round tables: “Integration of environmental elements in design and development” for Quality and “Experiences in customer-supplier re- lations”. The programme was completed with six workshops on subjects such as As you all know, in October 2005 the Department of Quality Assur- the management of components after ance launched the Internal Campaign entitled “Quality Guardians” the useful life of the vehicle or the prac- with a clear objective: tical aspects involved in constructing con- trol measures. To make ALL employees at Grupo Antolin without exception aware that their work has a vital role in contributing towards the success of the company, the confidence of the clients and the final user.
After several months’ work, we have defined a strategy based on four basic pillars:
- Creation of an umbrella concept: Quality Guardians
- Creation of a campaign logo that will allow for its continuity.
- Creation of an evocative image that will strengthen the concept.
- Implementation of this strategy developed in 4 phases:
· Preliminary Phase, to involve the Company Executives in the Cam- paign.
- Phase 1, to add surprise and create a positive attitude towards the Campaign, conveying the idea that we are all involved in work- ing for people’s welfare.
- Phase 2, to generate group commitment.
- Phase 3, to generate individual commitment.
Different posters depending on the objectives to be covered, per- sonal mailings, messages stored on the web, are just some of the supports that we use and translate into six languages in order to breathe life into our objective: QUALITY.
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PROTAGONISTS Antolin-Tanger
A future in northern Africa
A multicultural community enclave, Tanger has In the 90s, Grupo Antolin embarked on an ambitious route to globalisation and inter- attracted the attention of investors such as national expansion towards newly emer- Grupo Antolin, who opened their Antolin Tanger ging markets such as our own: Morocco. installations at the end of October in the presence of Located in northern Morocco at a dis- the Moroccan Prime Minister. tance of 15 km from the south of Europe, Grupo Antolin-Tanger, which specialises in sewing seat covers, was set up in May 2005 with an investment of 50 million Dirham (the local currency) and corporate capital amounting to 11M €. Thanks to its geographical location, Tangir is con- sidered to be the real gateway to Morocco. The residence of the diplomatic corps, it is the commercial and educa- tional brain of the country and one of its main hubs, and the driving force be- hind the economic and intellectual de- velopment of Morocco.
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The second industrial centre of Morocco The city formed the centre of the rural client in February 2006. We currently after Casablanca, this city has undergone exodus to the region, with a population also produce covers for the train sector important industrial growth which has that has quadrupled in the last two (TGV, AGC, etc.) Early in the last enabled infrastructures to be put in place decades. Such a phenomenon has led to quarter of the current financial year, to promote the largest duty-free export the generation of labour for the com- Antolin-Tanger already had a turnover of zone in the country, with a total surface panies established in the area. Antolin more than 2.4 million euros. The com- area of 345 hectares, of which Antolin Tanger now employs around 100 people, pany is now going through an important Tanger occupies an area of over 26,000 half men and half women. This figure period of development with a significant m². Thanks to this location, it benefits will be increased over the next few increase in sales as new projects are from one of the most favourable tax sys- months until it reaches approximately added. Projects that, as we have men- tems, such as exemption from taxes 250 jobs, all thanks to the new project tioned above, include the transfer of ma- during the first 15 years of business, and involving the manufacture of high tech jor product lines for the production of the waiving of fees for registration and the sunroofs, which will be carried out with sunroofs at the end of 2006 public deed required for incorporation the aid of our colleagues from Grupo or increase of company capital, and the Antolin Vosges. Our portfolio of clients includes both in- purchase of land and patent rights. To all ternal customers such as Grupo Antolin these advantages we should also add the GA’s productive activity in this country Alava, Grupo Antolin Ara and Grupo An- contributions made from the Hassan fund, commenced with the NCV2 project, tolin Transport with 5,500 covers a week, which likewise permits the cost of the site sewing seat covers for the Mercedes and also external customers such as Nis- to be partially or wholly financed. Vito, a project that was validated by the san, PSA and Renault for sunroofs.
At the end of last October, the Prime Minister of Morocco, Driss Jettou, opened the Antolin Tanger installations during an official visit to the Duty-Free Export Zone in the presence of our Chairman, José Antolin, accompanied by the head of DEOM, Marie Hélène Antolin.
The visit was marked by a few words of welcome given by José and Marie Hélène Antolin on the future prospects of the Group, and also by the assessment on the part of the Prime Minister of the efforts of this initiative and the expansion of industrial activity in this country. For Jettou, there is no question that for Tanger the return on this tax break will be infinitely greater, thereby helping the region to become more competitive.
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REPORT
International Mobility A decisive step in our career
Going abroad as an ex-pat is an important decision in our professional life, enriching it and giving the employee the chance to learn, to improve their skills and participate in new projects and experiences.
HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT – GRUPO ANTOLIN
Our employees' mobility from one country Temporary Expatriation to another enables us to respond to the de- mands of the business and those of our Displacement clients. The client prevails: as we all know, Unlike temporary displacement, here we Grupo Antolin’s work is defined by projects are talking of assignments on a long-term that are carried out where our client is, and This concerns those assignments with a du- basis for periods of up to a maximum of therefore it is essential to recognise the ration of a minimum of 31 days and a ma- 5 years. In global terms, this type of relo- importance of having mobile workers. ximum of 182. They respond to a need for cation is used in situations where new bu- a rapid reaction to a client’s requirements, sinesses and also projects are to be laun- To contribute to recognising how impor- to cover the lack of specific knowledge at ched, situations that require both technical tant it is for each of us to be geographi- local level, and for the person concerned knowledge and also knowledge concer- cally available, we shall give a broad ou- it means an opportunity to acquire inter- ning the group’s own culture. tline of the policy followed by the GROUP. national experiences in the short term. This policy is described in detail in the Although here the procedure acts like a gui- procedures for setting up a framework for The conditions to be applied are defined in de, the conditions will basically be defi- dealing fairly with all mobilities affecting depth in the P-RH-03 Procedure for Geo- ned according to the country, the job to be our various employees. graphical Mobility, which is available to all done and also the family situation of the employees in the Group Intranet. This ba- person at that moment (single, married, There are two types of mobility set out sically outlines a bonus payment and/or with or without children). Generally-spea- in the Procedure: Temporary Displace- allowances during the relocation period, king, the main aspects to be taken into ment and expatriation. and trips back to the country of origin. account are the following:
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53 51 Distribution of 50 relocated staff 40 according to country at 31 Grupo Antolin 30
20 Number of relocated staff 10 GERMANY 12% at Grupo Antolin 0 per year BRAZIL 1% 2004 2005 2006 FRANCE 7% MEXICO 13% UK 15% USA 19%
Short stay INDIA 3% CZECH REPUBLIC 9% 50 Expatriation 22 17 JAPAN 2% 40 CHINA 4% 30 Number of 9 SOUTH AFRICA 1% relocated staff 36% 20 per year and MAROCCO 1% according to 64% 10 BELGICA 2% duration at 0 31 34 22 Grupo Antolin SPAIN 10% 2004 2005 2006
Salary the Department of Supply Chain Ma- are contracted according to their training Normally the salary and also the existing nagement. needs. For the wife and children, aid is al- legal requirements for national health so available to help them adapt to living contributions are taken over by the des- · HOTEL EXPENSES, in the country of ori- in the destination country tination country. However, with respect gin a maximum of 15 days and at des- to the destination country and the legal tination a maximum of 1 month. agreement that exists with such country, Travelling the above may change and thus: · ALLOWANCE for RENTED ACCOMMO- · PRELIMINARY VISIT, designed to gain fa- DATION, a gross amount depending on miliarity with the area, find a place to li- · Salary in destination country and na- the local property market. ve and a school. Only for the employee tional health contributions (according to and their wife for a maximum of five days. agreement) in country of origin. · MEDICAL INSURANCE, In the European Union, the cover of the Social Security · PERSONAL TRIPS, designed to keep the · Salary and national health contributions system in the destination country should employee and their family in contact with (according to agreement) in country of be applied. In the REST OF THE WORLD, their country during expatriation. 1 or 2 origin and destination. a private Medical Insurance Policy should trips per year depending on the country. be taken out. Once mobility at Grupo Antolin has Further benefits · SCHOOLING, State Schools should be been reviewed as stipulated, we should not · RELOCATION ALLOWANCE, a gross chosen as a first option and International forget the human side of the whole pro- amount set out in the procedure, defi- Schools in exceptional circumstances. cess. It is essential that attention be paid to ned to cover various expenses involved Children that remain in the country of the personal and family needs of the per- in settling into the new location. origin receive aid for travelling expen- son that is to relocate and integrate their fa- ses and studies. mily in the destination country. In most · MOVING EXPENSES, various procedural cases, this is the factor that will determi- cubic capacities which are processed by · LANGUAGE CLASSES for the Employee ne whether the process is successful or not.
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ENRIQUE FERNÁNDEZ ISMAEL DEL MORAL Enginer-Headliner Production Head of the Seat Division. GERMANY Graphic Engineering. Department of Innovation and Marketing INDIA What at first appeared to be a difficult experience turned out to be a very Recipe for expatriates. positive and unforgettable experience for us thanks to the support of the Put the following ingredients in a people sharing such moments with us. cocktail shaker: new professional challenges, concerns, nerves, FARNAN RUSHE enthusiasm, a pinch of "what am I Head of Strategy and Markets doing in this country and where is Department of Supply Chain my Mum?", pillow for your head, Management eyeing up the window and a good USA and CHINA safety belt to ride out the storm when times get rough. Shake and For the last 7 months I have been the result is: working at our delegation in · personal development, Shanghai, this being the second time that I have relocated with the · languages? Like the best of them, Group. Obviously, if my family and I · experiences? unforgettable, have decided to repeat the · memories? indelible, experience of living and working abroad with the company, it must · confidence? Just what was be because we think it is very needed. positive. At a professional level, I With all of this and those not-so- love to have new challenges, and sweet moments, the cocktail is so the opportunity to help in the great that it would be rightfully DIEGO VIZCAíNO international growth of the Group. included in the best of the recipe Quality Manager – I believe that the objective of an books on DESSERTS. Headliner Production employee that is relocated should Department of Quality Assurance be to contribute their experience GERMANY, SOUTH AFRICA and promote Grupo Antolin's and CHINA approach to work overseas, but always respecting the culture and idiosyncrasies of the destination Going to work for Grupo Antolin country. When you relocate abroad is hard and very demanding, overseas because of work, you have but also intense in terms of human quite a good idea of what to expect relations, vision of the future, and in in professional terms, but not so personal satisfaction. We now bear the much on the personal front. In this indelible mark of other cultures, aspect I think that the people that helping us to discover ourselves and to show most courage in accepting appreciate other people much more the challenge are our families, who and also the situation around us. It is an come with us on our journey into unforgettable experience, an indivisible the unknown. For me it is essential part of our existence. I hope I can learn that my family should feel at home to appreciate the immense wealth in their new environment and so far accumulated from past experiences to they have adapted perfectly to life enrich those of the future in China.
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DESIGNING THE FUTURE
Within the framework for cooperation with the Elisava School of Design in Barcelona, the Department of Industrial Design at Grupo Antolin is sponsoring a project for their Master of Transport degree.
Collaboration with
Desingschools
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN DEPARTMENT
The GA Industrial Design team offered yond the future, both from a formal and the students at Elisava the proposi- a conceptual point of view. tion of developing a complete interior focussing on a B segment. The Throughout the entire process, Grupo type of user this concept is designed for Antolin has supervised and given ad- is a young, dynamic person that is fond vice on developments, while at the same of nature andkeen on new technolo- time allowing the students the free- gies, and values their independence, dom to express their own ideas. There we considering their vehicle to be re several proposals that focussed on an something very personal that should ad interesting concept. Minimalist geome- apt to their own way of life. tries that offer various modes of functi- on, different “Color&trim” configura- Starting from such premises, three tions that turn the interior into a kind of cha students began work on what was to be meleon that can adapt to various lifestyles. their final project for the Master of Transport. The final outcome has materialised both vir tually (modelled and rendered in 3D) and This type of work is oriented towards the physically (scale model) turning out to be a creative exploration of really new ideas th young interior that can be customised, in w at to a certain extent have moved be- hich space and function have a mail role.
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StrawberryChocolate Lemon Fashion
Desing school Elisava of Barcelona
The project was presented on 24th October at a ceremony that was attended, amongst others, by representatives from the various sponsors, together with designers from the SEAT and RENAULT studios in Barcelona and Grupo Antolin.
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THE HISTORY CORNER
Mercedes-Benz, ”The best … or nothing at all”
Today this credo still stands as the legacy of the Mercedes-Benz tradition. It represents a tradition that was unheard of at the time, rather than a mere list of motor engineering triumphs that were landmark achievements in their day. The history of Mercedes-Benz provides a bridge from the shy beginnings of motorisation at the end of the 19th Century to current standards of high technology
The brand: Gottlieb & Co in Manheim in October 1883 while pression of those days, managed to beat Daimler and Karl Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG) was the critics and to show how reliable and set up in Cannstatt near Stuttgart in No- easy to control the vehicle was. Benz vember 1890. Meanwhile, Gottlieb Daimler had plans Kart Benz invented and marketed the first to build petrol-driven engines for use in The invention, around 1880, of the “high car running on an internal combustion en- all types of vehicle. It was in 1884 that he revolution” engine along with the car fos- gine in 1885. Although he was not at all managed to develop an engine that tered the creation of motor transport com- successful until 1888 when, without his reached 1HP at 600 rpm and decided to panies by Gottlieb Daimler, on the one knowledge, his wife Bertha decided to mount it on a carriage specially ordered hand, and by Karl Benz, on the other. Thus, take their children on the first “long dis- from the firm W. Wimpff & Sohn. Follow- they both started on their own projects tance” journey from Manheim to ing Maybach’s instructions, the engine was completely independently, each man Pforzheim and back again (about 160 assembled to create what was to become working by himself without being aware kms). Thus, the three-wheeled car driven the first four-wheel car at the “Maschi- of the other. Benz founded the firm Benz by “demon forces”, according to the ex- nenfabrik Esslingen” plant. The logo was
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a three-point star that represented univer- sal motorisation “by air, land and sea”.
Then, in 1897 Emil Jellineck, a wealthy banker, who was the Austrian Consul in Nice (France) and a car fanatic, decided to order a vehicle from DMG that was ca- pable of doing over 40 km/h. Thus, the business grew with car sales to high soci- ety and in 1900, after reaching an agree- ment to market DMGs, he placed an order for 36 units with an 8HP engine, which From Daimler-Benz This brings us to 1963, the year in which they named after his daughter Mercedes. AG until the the brand increases its popularity in the Unfortunately, Daimler was not able to wit- range of luxury cars with the launch of the ness the growth of his company, as he died DaimlerChrysler AG 600, propelled by a 300 HP engine with an in March 1900, being replaced by May- merger air suspension system. bach. The 70s witness the launching of the fa- At the end of 1900, a revolutionary engine Right from its very beginning, the name mous S Series as the height of luxury on with 35HP was fitted inside a racing car Mercedes-Benz has been a synonym of ex- wheels and the ABS system starts rolling with a low gravity centre, pressed steel cellence, high performance and luxury. In out in mass production, aimed at further frame, lights and a radiator and many the early 30s, the model 170 was known enhancing the safety of the vehicles. This other innovations that prefigure the as the first four-wheel car to be produced permanent concern for safety and modern car. with independent suspension. In 1937, 30 technological development leads Daimler- “Volkswagen” prototypes, widely referred Benz to introduce airbags, traction control Both companies continued with their own to as the people’s car, were built and tested, and self-levelling rear suspension in the development, building various manufac- based on a design of Daimler’s technical 1980s. This technology begins with the turing plants separately, competing in engineer, Ferdinand Porsche, in 190 E compacts and remains as one of the speed racing and diversifying their pro- Sindelfingen, to start mass production in brand’s vital chassis engineering compo- ducts. That is how the factories of Benz Wolfsburg, in what was to become the nents today. in Gaggenhau and of DMG in Marienfelde head office of what is now Europe’s largest came into being in 1907. Following the in- car plant. Mercedes-Benz boosted the power of their troduction of DMG on the stock exchange vehicles when they signed an agreement in 1911, in 1920 its stocks are capitalised to On July 18th 1944, over 80% of the Sin- in 1995 with AMG to prepare a version the order of 100 million German Marks, re- delfingen factory was razed to the ground comprising excellent sports features for sulting in its consolidation as one of the by the explosion of more than 20,000 each of their models. biggest industrial companies in Germany. bombs. However, mass production restarted However, apart from hindering sales, the in Untertürkheim in May 1945 with 1,240 Daimler-Benz AG and Chrysler agreed to heavy inflation suffered during the post- workers. combine their businesses in 1998, with this war period meant that companies could merger becoming known as “the merger not survive unless they had a solid financial The 50s see the introduction of the famous of equals” and creating a new world en- base and consolidated models. Even so, Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” and tity: Daimler Chrysler AG. The resulting both rivals were forced to live with each the beginning of the brand’s participa- company ranks seventh in the world for other and began to cooperate in 1924, uni- tion in Formula 1 racing, being represent- production with a productive presence fying design and production along with ed by the driver Juan Manuel Fangio, win- on all five continents. purchasing, sales and publicity so as to ner of the drivers’ and constructors’ World be able to overcome such a difficult situ- Championships in 1954. At the same time, The Mercedes brand markets approxi- ation and maintain their competitiveness. the sedans of the 220 Series and of the mately one million cars per year covering 300 series with 6-cylinder engines are the the whole range of vehicles from the In 1926, the two companies decided to first cars to include the energy-absorbing small A-Class to the exclusive S-Class, in- merge and create Daimler-Benz AG. The deformation zone patent in their design to cluding the M-Class and G-Class 4-by-4s. brand Mercedes-Benz was born with the keep the interior intact if there is a collision. Not forgetting, moreover, that Mer- logotype of a three-point star surrounded At the same time, production of the 170V cedes-Benz also makes vans and leads by a laurel leaf. Maybach and Benz both and 170S models derived from the mod- the way in the production and sale of lor- died in the year 1929. el built in the 1930s is finally completed. ries in Europe.
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THE PHOTO
Regional Innovation Award Carbon Nanofibres A winning product
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Out of a total number of 34 candidates, Grupo Antolin was one of the three companies to win the Regional Innovation Award in Castilla y Leon in the 1st Congress on Innovation, organised by the Foundation for Business Excellence (EXECyL) on November 20th in the Region of Castilla y Leon.
Marie Hélène Antolin received the prize duce plastics with nanofibre content work and for the fuel system, etc. The from the President of EXECyL, Mr Pru- that display enhanced mechanical president of EXECyL underlined the vast dencio Herrero, awarded by the panel of properties and adequate electrical and amount of effort invested by regional or- judges to Grupo Antolin in the category thermal conductivity for manufactur- ganisations in innovation, while, at the of Innovative Product for our 'carbon ing special parts for the car industry, same time, stressing how satisfied they nanofibres'. The fruit of several years' re- parts with a low thermal expansion co- were that this traditional industry should search on the subject, our aim is to pro- efficient, parts for electrostatic paint- win the prize.
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IN BRIEF
The following photo portrays the exchange of presents between both companies. News in Brief
Technological exhibition at TOYOTA in the USA
Together with personnel from our main office in Burgos, Grupo Antolin-North America presented the most recent innovations of Strategic the company to our client, Toyota, at their technical plant in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on 30th November. alliance Our main products, roofs, man, Kenji Gondo, for Design between doors and seats, were repre- - Development in the Engi- sented as well as other impor- neering Department, Edward Grupo tant areas, such as design and Mantey for Electronic Engi- new fabrics, acoustics and vi- neering, and Makoto Okamo- Antolin brations, lighting, electronics, to for Vehicle Performance safety, etc, which were very Development. and Kasai well received by the visitors. We would like to extend our Apart from personnel repre- congratulations to all those The signing of the strategic In a sector in which globali- senting the various products involved on behalf of the cooperation agreement with the sation has reached such tan- and sections of the Group, client and hope that this Japanese company, Kasai gible dimensions as that of there were several senior ex- exhibition will help us Kogyo, on 23rd October is an the car industry, this alliance ecutives present on behalf of strengthen our business important step in the growth makes perfect sense in light of Toyota such as the Vice Chair- relations with Toyota. and development of our rela- the complementary nature, tions with Japanese manufac- both on a geographical level turers. An agreement that may and also with regard to also turn out to be beneficial in components and technolo- the future for enhancing our re- gies. It is a magnificent ex- lations with other Japanese ample of how this type of ini- manufacturers, for whom we tiative can offer our clients a are likewise preparing several service with a great deal of activities. added value, by taking ad- vantage of the synergies aris- One of the latest generation ing from this cooperation to of Kasai factories, located at allow cuts to be made in the the foot of the unmistakable expenses earmarked for de- Mount Fuji, provided the velopment, to reduce the in- venue for the signing of this vestment required to place agreement, for which occa- new products on the market, sion Ernesto Antolin, Vice and to offer a more competitive Chairman, Jose Manuel solution to deal with the Temiño, CEO, and Pablo Baro- emergence of new demands. ja, Head of DOAAP, travelled to Japan on behalf of Grupo The main purpose of the Antolin. strategic agreement reached
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From left to right: For Kasai, Masaru Saotome: Executive Officer & General Manager, Business Unit Administration Group Manabu Kashiwagi: Senior Executive Officer, Business Strategy Office, Cost Control Group Kuniyuki Watanabe: Executive Vice President and on behalf of Grupo Antolin, Ernesto Antolin, Vice President, Jose Manuel Temiño, Executive Officer, Pablo Baroja, DOAPP Manager and Javier Méndez, General Manager GA Japan.
by the two companies is to recognise us for our tech- present a joint and global nology, the flexibility of our response as suppliers to the solutions, and also our capa- Renault-Nissan consortium. city to provide solutions on a After more than a year nego- global scale. tiating this issue, this alliance will allow Grupo Antolin to The completion of this agree- have a partner with an indus- ment is fully integrated in trial presence in Japan that will GA's strategy for Asia, it be- act as a reference, and also ing a clear example of the A SOLAR CAR PARK, a open up new opportunities pioneering spirit of our firm, for cooperation, which will no which has been recognised by guaranteed fuel supply doubt come to fruition hand our client in the official in hand with the integration presentations made to Nissan for the next of the operations of one of in Japan and to Renault in our most important clients. France. 6,000 million years
The Japanese company, Kasai, It should be stressed that both is one of Nissan’s traditional Grupo Antolin and Kasai firmly In the not too distant future, the satisfy our needs, if we learn suppliers in the interior car intend this to be only the ini- facilities at Grupo Antolin how to use the light it component sector. It enjoys tial phase in their relations, Headquarters will be equipped constantly sheds on our great respect in Japan with re- which will not only offer new with what has come to be known planet in a rational way. gard to its technical skills in business opportunities as they as a “solar car park”. the injection sector, develop, but also, the ex- Solar power is the energy numbering Toyota and Honda change of experiences with- Aimed at generating elec- that is obtained directly from amongst its clients. As in in the framework of this new tricity by capturing the rays the sun. This energy can be Japan, Kasai also has an in- cooperation agreement will of the sun, the appropriate harnessed for use directly, or dustrial presence in the United likewise enable us to enrich official bodies have been ap- else converted into other States, China, Thailand and our business cultures thanks proached to request four useful forms such as elec- the United Kingdom. to our different sensitivities plants with 100 kw each to tricity, for instance. and domestic realities. In this be set up in the car park be- For its part, Grupo Antolin way, the outcome of our joint hind the main building at The heat gathered in the co- first started its commercial effort will be much greater Grupo Antolin. This will all llectors can be used to meet and technical activities in than the sum of our individual lead to the use of a clean, re- a large number of needs. At Japan in October 1998, actions, placing us without newable fuel known as the same time, while this having invested a great deal any question of a doubt at an green power. might seem strange, another of work in these fields from advantage with respect to our of the most promising appli- the moment it set up its competitors in these interest- The sun, which is the source cations for solar heat will be offices until the present time, ing times that our sector of of life and origin of the other refrigeration during the hot with it now being possible to the industry is currently going forms of energy used by man season, precisely at the say that our Japanese clients through. ever since time began, can sunniest time of the year.
winter 2007 · news grupo antolin 19 Maqueta NOTICIASinglesa:Maquetación 1 7/2/07 07:23 Página 20
Laser- signed FABRICS
Graphic customisation is now another feature of the fabrics New produced for the parts made by Grupo Antolin Offices for The Sales Manager The laser-engraving machinery Ototrim was set up last October at of Grupo PSA the installations at the Group’s Central Office and, visits Grupo Antolin Work has commenced on the after making the final ad- new office blocks in Bursa, justments, is now ready for Turkey, just in front of the operation. We are referring The Sales Manager of Grupo PSA, Madame Departe, was on a plant that currently exists in this to a laser that will modify business trip in Spain on October 26th to visit some of the facilities region. any type of surface in line owned by Grupo Antolin in this country. with whatever parameters Ototrim’s facilities in this coun- are entered. Madame Departe, accompa- and customer satisfaction. try will shortly be completed nied by Pascal SCHMIDT and with some 1,082 sq metres di- As far as our own specific François ROSEN, KAM from After a short flight, they vided into two floors, along purposes are concerned, we PSA and KAM France, re- arrived at GA’s Main Offices in with 209 sq metres intend to use it for research spectively, was received by Burgos, where Madame of basement housing the and for customising our our Chief Executive, Jose Departe had the opportunity meeting rooms, offices, products, thereby giving our Manuel Temiño and DOES to learn first hand about our communal and auxiliary areas. clients more added value. Territorial Director, Damián know-how and see our Gordo, at Grupo Antolin Vi- product catalogue, by visiting Ototrim began its activity in go, which was the starting the various laboratories and 1993 and currently focuses on point of the visit, in the com- workshops, and also during the production of ceilings, pany of the Managing Direc- the presentation delivered by door panels, rear shelves, tor, José Luis Antolin, who Fernando Rey, our Innovation sunroofs and automatic was an exceptional guide. He and Marketing Manager. windows, for which it has a showed Madame Departe staff of over 300 workers, in- the facilities where they make One remarkable point cluding both direct and indi- the back seats for the B58 throughout the whole itinerary rect employees. (the 2nd and 3rd rows), and the was the quality of both service new C4 Picasso, a vehicle and product, present in any of that is built by Grupo PSA at our company’s activities along its Vigo Centre. with the person in charge of the presentation, as was indeed the It should be remembered that, case with Fernando Sanz, our although GA already has a lot Quality Manager. of experience making these seats, this is the first time that The intensive day finished we are supplying this type of with the visit to three of our product to Peugeot Citroën, factories in Burgos: Ardasa, and therefore we see it as a Aragusa and Eurotrim before challenge in terms of quality returning to Le Bourget.
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2006 Paris Motor Show: Coming Shopping?
TVM Activities at Grupo Antolin
TVM (Team Value Manage- Saarluis. The recent occasion ment) is a programme that was took place on 9th November launched by the Ford Motor Co at GA’s R+D+I installations, The red carpet was rolled out at the public. One presence that in Europe in the year 2002, attended by a team from Ford the International Motor Show stood out as being strongly seeking the integration of its De- led by Mr Wilfried Göx. in Paris to welcome thousands represented was that of the partments of Quality, Engi- During the course of the day, of visitors that wanted to see for 4-by-4s and off-road vehi- neering, Sales and Finances, our visitors had the opportu- themselves first hand an ad- cles, which we will soon be with the suppliers, through the nity to see Grupo Antolin Plas- vance of what people will be seeing on all our roads. creation of work teams. The bur and Grupo Antolin driving around during the next aim is to identify inefficiencies Aragusa, and also to partici- motoring season. We mustn’t forget those cars throughout the chain of value pate in a debate on their that enjoy the public's and to work together to achieve products with technicians Faithful to its biannual date, approval and have arrived on an increase in the value of the from the Main Office and the 2006 Paris Motor Show the scene to replace models products, by reducing costs and from these two plants. shut its doors around the that have been real success maximising their quality. middle of last October. stories in terms of sales such At the close of the event, the Around sixty novelties, as the Citroen C4 Picasso, During 2006, Ford decided to Ford representatives ex- counting both World and Eu- the Ford Focus CC, the find a new stimulus for the pressed their satisfaction for ropean exclusives, are re- Lancia Ypsilon, the Mini, the programme. This led to exe- its outcome, and thanked leased at this motor show. Opel Corsa, etc. cutives and their teams be- Grupo Antolin for their ing renewed, and being given coope-ration, stressing the Over the sixteen days that And beware of the Asian more to do. importance of learning the show was open this year, companies that come to the about opportunities for im- the stands were full of really capital on the banks of the Throughout the current year, provement for future incredible cars. A hall full of Seine with a fascinating of- Grupo Antolin has had the developments, right from novelties where there were fer: Mazda Senku, Hyundai opportunity to take part in the very people that work many prototypes and fanta- Arnejs, Kia Cee’d, Suzuki several TVM events at our with these products on a dai- sy sports cars that undoubt- Splash… and a whole legion plants in Valencia, Genk or ly basis. edly attract the attention of of new Chinese cars.
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A challenge for communication: GANA COMMUNICATION COMMITTEE 2006 beijing motor
show (china): The first issue of the newsletter published by Grupo Antolin a BUBBLING market North America (GANA) came out last October thanks to terests anonymous, and we China is en route to becoming the recently created Communi- will endeavour to find solu- the first car market in the cation Committee. tions in the appropriate man- world. The ninth edition of the ner and time. We would also Motor Show in Beijing demon- So as to make the employees like to stimulate communica- strates the huge potential for feel much more involved and tion within and between De- growth of the Chinese market. assume a certain amount of partments so as to avoid du- With a wide range of Chinese ownership where the compa- plicating work, a lack of com- makes, European manufac- ny is concerned, we set up the munication and other turers are increasing their local manufacturers. Then Communication Committee at potential problems. Finally, we presence in this country with there were the six main do- GANA, composed of different want to make it clear that all models that have been adapted mestic consortia who also dis- people belonging to various employees are valued with a new customer in mind. played their cars at the show: departments in the company. members of the company and FAW, SAIC, Dongfeng, we shall do so by notifying With 1,500 manufacturers Chang'an, BAIC and China This basic objective was fur- them of any information that from 20 countries, the Show, Aviation Industry Corp. And ther compounded by the might affect them either which opened between 19th finally, we cannot forget the need to facilitate the flow of directly or indirectly, and and 27th November at the models produced by almost communication in all direc- assuring them that their China International Exhibition all the international car man- tions, albeit mainly upwards opinions on serious matters Centre, received over half a ufacturers, with their respec- and downwards, and also to are always important and million visitors, who were able tive brand names: try to solve any problem that taken into account. to view local and international might arise and affect any col- novelties, on an exhibition DaimlerChrysler, BMW, league or their productivity. It is our aim to form a space covering more than Volkswagen, Ford, Peugeot Committee that is under- 120,000 square metres, from and Dongfeng Peugeot, To use the Committee’s own standing and can provide help the major car manufacturers Citroen and Dongfeng Citroën, words: “we want each person to all those that are ready to in the world. Renault, Fiat and Nanking Fiat, to feel confident that we will believe in our objectives.” Toyota and Guangzhou Toyota, keep their suggestions and in- Amen! China’s market potential over Lexus, Nissan and Xhengzhou the past few years has meant Nissan, Honda, Guangzhou At the back from left to right: that virtually all the car man- Honda and Dongfeng Honda, Scott Wakefield, Michelle Herrera, Lauren Slachta, Ian Thompson. ufacturers have trained their Daihatsu Motor, Suzuki, In front from left to right: eye on this Asian giant, not Subaru, Mitsubishi, Hyundai Anne Marie Perreault,Troy Curran, Calida Coleman only with a view to exporting and Beijing Hyundai, Kia and their products but also with Dongfeng Yueda Kia, Lotus, the intention of building mod- Spyker, Porsche, Ferrari and els 'in situ' that are adapted to Maserati. this newly emerging market. This explains why the Beijing In conclusion, an exhibition (Peking) Motor Show is so im- that started off modestly but portant. There were a large that is now a must for seeing variety of models to be seen how the major brand names here: on the one hand, Chi- jockey for position on the nese makes such as Chery, Asian market and how the lo- Geely, Brilliance, BYD, Great cal manufacturers plan to leap Wall, Huatai, etc, exhibiting on to the stage in Western Eu- vehicles that have been de- rope and America with a prod- veloped independently by the uct that is surprisingly cheap.
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Grupo Antolin present at the meeting between Zapatero and Blair
Last October, Mª Helena An- tel in Madrid, consisting in tolin participated in a round making more rapid progress table chaired by the Prime Min- in the European Common ister of Spain, José Luis Ro- Market, increasing expendi- dríguez Zapatero, and the ture on research, develop- British Prime Minister, Tony ment and innovation (R+D+i) Blair, in which, together with and reforming the university other Spanish and British busi- system so that faculties can nessmen, they contributed enjoy greater flexibility and Convention on the ideas that can subsequently be autonomy and have closer re- promoted by these governments lations with business compa- QUALITY OF MASS both on the domestic front and nies. also within the European PRODUCTION Union. The fact that the two leaders met with prominent business- On 14th December the annu- There were three basic ideas men, according to the al convention on the Quality of conveyed by executives from Spanish Leader, is due to the Mass Production was held at To conclude, each Head of the 17 companies (ten Spanish need to identify "the main the central offices of Grupo Quality of Mass Production and seven British firms), who priorities for making the EU Antolin. It was attended by the at the Central Office for met with the Spanish and a leader in innovation and Quality Assurance Managers Quality Assurance presented British Prime Ministers at a ho- competitiveness". from the various plants owned a summary of their activities by Grupo Antolin in Europe during 2006 and the objec- and the corresponding Depart- tives and broad outlines of ments from the Central Of- their work in 2007. Grupo Antolin amongst fice for Quality Assurance. The day was viewed in a First of all, the global results positive light by all those the 20 companies for quality were presented for present, particularly the attending the the year ending in November. opportunity to be able to Then each person responsible acquaint themselves with the Turco-Spanish meeting in for Quality at the Plants pre- results of the various plants sented their own results, and and compare them all with Istanbul (Turkey) the main problems they had one another. For plants with encountered concerning similar products it was Bilateral commercial relations Exchanges of Turkey (known quality. Finally, they reflected interesting to be able to ex- and business opportunities for as TOBB, in its Turkish on the role of the Central change ideas on problems re- Spanish companies in Turkey acronym, standing for Türkiye Office for the Quality of Mass lating to product-process and, were one of the key points on Odalar ve Borsalar Birliği). Production. finally, to show how improve- the agenda that were discussed ments have been made in the over a working breakfast and During the congress, which After reviewing the results, activities concerning Quality in during the conferences held in included interventions by both three “Best Practices” were Mass Production. Istanbul on 12th and 13th No- the Spanish Prime Minister, presented in the context of vember. José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, Quality, implemented by GA The Central Office for Quality and the Prime Minister of Kent (awarded the Land Rover Assurance is now working to Grupo Antolin is one of the Turkey, Recep Tayiip Erdogan, Prize for Best Supplier), GA Vi- improve our results in 2007. approximately 15 to 20 large a working breakfast and con- go (Monitoring Flaws) and GA Our clients’ objectives with re- Spanish companies and their ferences were set up to dis- Lusitania (Internal Notification spect to Quality are very am- equivalents in Turkey that cuss business opportunities of Incidents), which are clear- bitious and they are going to were present at the meeting and investments for Spanish ly exportable to other plants insist that we all make a great organised by the Union of companies in Turkey and vice within the Group. effort to achieve them. Chambers and Commodity versa.
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2006 Painting Competition ·2006 Painting Competition · 2006 Painting Competition · 2006 Painting Competition · 2006 Paintin
Once again this year the children topped the bill
It is always a pleasure for us dren to explain to us what to organise the traditional Christmas means for them portunity here to thank prize-giving ceremony for through their paintings spur every one involved for the painting competition. us on each year, and we contributing to the success The efforts of all these chil- would like to take the op- of the festivities in 2006.
2006 Painting Competition · 2006 Painting Competition · 2006 Painting Competition · 2006 Painting Competition · 2006 Painti
24 news grupo antolin · winter 2007 P P ainting Competition· ainting Competition· Maqueta NOTICIASinglesa:Maquetación17/2/0707:27Página25 2006 2006 Painting Competition· Painting Competition· 2006 2006 Painting Competition· Painting Competition· 2 2006 2006 nd Marie Brusadelli PRIZE Painting Competition· Shanon Chivers Painting Competition· PRIZE-WINNERS 1 st 3 PRIZE rd Angela Vermeulen winter 2007 PRIZE 3 rd CATEGORY A PRIZE years old years 5 to7 · newsgrupoantolin CATEGORY B years-old Alorah Cannon 8 to11 Caroline Valque 2006 2006 2 Chen Yuan nd 1 25 Painting Competi PRIZE Painting Compe st PRIZE t Maqueta NOTICIASinglesa:Maquetación 1 7/2/07 07:28 Página 26
Manager, who spoke on the one hand, about communica- tion and relations with the client and, on the other, about the systematic administration of data used to solve prob- lems. Likewise, our LR VRT leader, Mark Bailey, pointed JIT Grupo Antolin out that as a result of the good SOLIHULL: job performed by Grupo An- tolin, one of the striking Foundation “BEST IN CLASS” product achievements is the fact that the headliners for the T5 mod- stone laid for Jaguar-Land Rover el have become a “Best in class” product for the whole in Chennai Jaguar-Land Rover Group with On 6th November our clients, Headliner Division Quality respect to quality guarantee. In the middle of a simple cere- Jaguar and Land Rover, Manager, Salvador Peris, JIT mony, the foundation stone organised the 4th Edition of an GA Solihull Plant Manager, The ceremony ended with JIT was laid for what will be the event devoted to the suppliers Mark Miller, GA Solihull Quali- GA Solihull Plant Manager, new factory in India devoted to of Vehicle Interior Systems, to ty Manager and Peter Middle- Salvador Peris, receiving the roof production, just as we which Grupo Antolin Solihull ton, Sales Representative for 2006 award on behalf of announced in the previous was invited for a very special Jaguar-Land Rover. Grupo Antolin from Bob edition of this newsletter. reason. Joyce, Engineering Manager As an acknowledgement of at Jaguar – Land Rover in The construction of what will The Executives for Interior Sys- our contribution to quality, “Recognition of the Contin- be the next plant designed to tems for Jaguar-Land Rover during the ceremony, Jaguar- uous Contribution to Quality manufacture support roofs, as have spent two years organising Land Rover invited us to give a Improvement in Jaguar-Land well as the assembly of head- a league for suppliers, where presentation on our two main Rover Interior Systems”. liners for Ford, commenced we can display how compe- strengths as recognised by our on a 20,200-square-metre tent we are with just one aim suppliers throughout the se- We would like to take this plot of land located alongside in mind: to supply “Best in quenced delivery process for opportunity to thank all the Hyundai. A total of 5,600 class” products to our client. the headliners and uprights of people who have contributed square metres, reserved for The table has a similar format the T5- Land Rover Discovery to making this award possible, the production warehouse, to a football league, thereby 3 and Range Rover Sport, and and also to share our joy with offices, laboratory, meeting giving the competition be- also for the headliners for the everyone in receiving this and training rooms, locker tween the different suppliers X150 -Jaguar XK- and the annual recognition of being rooms…and auxiliary area. a certain sportsmanlike qual- DVDs for the X350 –Jaguar XJ. the only supplier for Interior Once the work is finished, ity. It should be pointed out The person selected for such Systems for the whole of with completion expected in that Grupo Antolin has held occasion was Mark Miller, as Jaguar-Land Rover: “Grupo April 2007, production will first place in the ranking since the JIT GA Solihull Quality Antolin 2006”. begin in May of that same November 2005 until the year for Hyundai, Ford and same month now in 2006, Hindustan Motor. with the score being revised every two months. The fourth largest metropoli- tan city in India is considered The event was led, on behalf to be the automobile capital of Jaguar and Land Rover, by of this country. A major por- Chris Duffy, in his capacity as tion of the car industry is Quality Manager and Rob based here, which, added to Lloyd, as the Group’s Chief En- the fact that the majority of gineer, both for Interior Sys- the vehicles produced in the tems, while Grupo Antolin entire country are built in was represented by Pedro Chennai, make it deserve the Santesteban, UK GA General name of the Detroit of Southern Manager, Belen de Pedro, Asia, as it is often called.
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VW-Group India, a great Award for opportunity Grupo The ambassador of India in the way». «In our country, we Spain was received by Grupo now have firms from Burgos Antolin Antolin on 16th November to- such as Grupo Antolin and we achieving all the functions gether with other local firms and would like there to be hun- With the following words ex- and objectives required, executives from the European dreds of them». Furthermore, pressed in this short, but impor- added to the fact that they Business and Innovation Cen- she indicated that there are tant article, Volkswagen re- have never ceased to consider tre (BIC), responsible for or- also Indian companies that are ferred to Grupo Antolin as the the vehicle from a global per- ganising Suryakanthi Tripathi’s active in Spain and was deserver of the award received spective, are the features that visit to Burgos. pleased to receive an invitation by our Vice Chairman, Ernesto define this company. to set up installations on the Antolin, on behalf of Grupo The Development manager technological estate in Burgos. Antolin and presented by senior The company has always re- from the Department of executives from VW. acted in a flexible and Operations for Africa, Asia After the meeting, Suryakan- competent way, showing and the Pacific, Juan Carlos thi Tripathi, had time to visit “This excellent company has respect for fixed deadlines to González, attended on behalf certain public organisations proved that with the devel- cover all orders, including of Grupo Antolin, with the and some of the most em- opment of the moulds for the those that have been subjected main thrust of the meeting blematic monuments in the headliners of the new Skoda to change during the course being the need for us to have city. Roomster, it is not just anoth- of their process of develop- some kind of presence on the er supplier that gets paid for ment. Indian market if we really wish Nowadays, India is one of the their ability to develop our to form a global business. principle countries in the products. With such a highly motivated world, with growth in the re- and committed staff, the re- The Indian diplomat remind- gion of 9%, which is very Their 100% identification cipient of this award is ed us that her country «is go- similar to China, and a with the product, their re- without any question one of ing through a period of population of over a thousand sponsible attitude towards our best suppliers.” growth, with needs in all sec- million inhabitants, which tors, not just technology, a continues to grow at a rate field in which it is now leading of 8 or 9%.
In progress ... Our colleagues at Grupo Antolin Turnov have undergone an audit carried out by Volkswagen so as to be able to supply medal- lions for the B6 in imitation leather, rolling out 100 % of their capacity at the beginning of 2007.
For their part, the F91-A project corresponding to the new Cabstar truck manufactured at the Nissan plant in Avila is starting to become a reality with parts being made at the various companies forming part of Grupo Antolin: Aragusa, Eurotrim, Plasbur and RyA.
Grupo Antolin (Sede Central), Grupo Antolin - Alava, Grupo Antolin - Ara, Grupo Antolin - Aragusa, Grupo Antolin - Ardasa, 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, Grupo Antolin - Vigo, Irauto, Grupo Antolin - Autoform, Grupo Antolin - Deutschland, Grupo Antolin - Logistik Deutschland, BRASIL, Intertrim, Iramec, Trimtec, Grupo Antolin - Bratislava, Slovakian Door Company, Grupo Antolin - France, Grupo Antolin - HFR, Grupo Antolin - IGA, Grupo Antolin - Ingenierie Sieges, Grupo Antolin - Logistique Douai, Grupo Antolin - Loire, Grupo Antolin - Transport, Grupo Antolin - Vosges, TANIS, Grupo Antolin - Lusitania, Grupo Antolin - Silesia, Grupo Antolin - Kent, Grupo Antolin - U.K., Grupo Antolin - Bohemia, Grupo Antolin - Turnov, Grupo Antolin - Illinois, Grupo Antolin - Kentucky, Grupo Antolin - Louisiana, Grupo Antolin - Michigan, Grupo Antolin - North America, Grupo Antolin - Wayne, Grupo Antolin - Silao, International Door Systems, Mexican Door Company, Oficina de Representación en Shanghai, Antolin Shanghai Autoparts, Chongqing Antolin Tuopu Overhead Systems (JV), Krishna Grupo Antolin, Grupo Antolin - Pune (Centro de Diseño), Grupo Antolin - Pune, (Licencia Tecnológica), Grupo Antolin - Japan, Antolin - Tanger, Grupo Antolin - South Africa, Ototrim
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HEALTH
HumourTake it all in good
Humour is a universal language, breaking down barriers, and integrating people; it is a feeling that is catching, and a natural form of entertainment. It is also a free medicine and does not usually have any side effects. Why not try it? It’s healthy.
HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT– GRUPO ANTOLIN MEDICAL SERVICE
Laughter and humour have been the sub- way in which emotions influence people’s effect of endorphins. Laughter is ject of in-depth analysis since ancient immunological system. often accompanied by tears, which al- times. Philosophers and scientists of the so helps eliminate toxins. And this is stature of Aristotle, Plato, Hobbes, Kant, Regular doses of this “natural” medi- all without counting some 400 muscles Freud, or Darwin investigated this strange cine stimulate the circulatory and respi- that leap into action, making laughter phenomenon of human nature. While ratory systems, as well as the sympa- the best cream available to fight a popular wisdom has always upheld the thetic nervous system and, more flaccid face or body. relationship between the emotional state importantly, they stimulate the T cells, and illnesses, today the beneficial effect which are charged with operating the Furthermore, the real key to the thera- of humour on health is accepted on the immunological system, making them peutic effect of humour is its capacity basis of scientific fact. Research into these very beneficial both to protect us and to reduce stress, considered to be the se- matters is being taken up by a relatively also to keep diseases at bay. Once a cond most important health problem new branch of medicine, called Psycho- person has finished laughing, they re- in Europe after tobacco, since, when we neuro-inmunology, which tackles the lax; their blood pressure falls; their di- laugh, our adrenaline and catecholamine study of an organism’s capacity for psy- gestion improves; and they relax their levels are reduced, lessening the factors chophysiological self-regulation and the muscles, and feel less pain thanks to the that unleash anxiety or depression.
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Humour also has an effect on social rela- Laughter that heals tionships, encourages a feeling of hope, helps put things in perspective and aids a person's understanding both of them- As we have seen, laughter has a multi- self and of other people. It is a real elixir for tude of effects on the human organism. life that boosts a healthy person's capaci- These are all positive and to be ties, increasing their vitality and therefore recommended. Besides increasing a the energy they have available for any task. person's health and capabilities:
· It strengthens individual and group mo- tivation. Learning to laugh · It maximises communication since it fo- cuses public attention, relieves tension, A healthy child laughs about 300 times and shortens distances that might a day. However, as we grow older, getting otherwise hinder the exchange of up and going to bed with the positive information, and softens the negative attitude offered by humour is not so sim- impact of difficult messages. ple. We accumulate serious memories and it becomes more and more difficult to · It encourages mental capacities such as laugh. Just like any other exercise, it needs creativity or learning, smoothing the to be practised: the more we laugh, the way towards innovation because it easier it becomes to trigger laughter and allows you to distance yourself from vice versa. Furthermore, if you are one problems, empty your mind of of those that firmly believe that you are superfluous thoughts and emotions, either born with this ability or you’re not, and see things from fresh angles or you are mistaken: you can also learn how unexpected points of view. to laugh. But not all types of humour are valid. The untimely -used at the wrong · It brings human teams together, since moment and in an inadequate fashion – it is the ideal remedy for removing and the type that involves cynicism or a barriers, differences and sources of lack of respect may turn out to be tension that might arise within the very detrimental. heart of the family, or in the midst of a company or workgroup Having a sense of humour, then, means knowing how to relativize what is good · It strengthens human relationships and and bad in life. Learning how to laugh generates a friendlier and more human at one’s own ills is the first step towards atmosphere to live and work in. achieving the rewards of this philosophy. Integrating it as a daily habit in our daily · It relativizes reality: thanks to laughter routine would be the second one. The key and good humour we are capable of undoubtedly lies in our being able to ex- removing ourselves temporarily from pand our “cosmic vision”, i.e. the ability a situation that might be painful for us. to perceive humour, or something that is funny, in our immediate vicinity. And, fi- It has been scientifically demonstrated nally, the third fundamental step: our that health and good humour are happiness will normally be all the greater closely related. So, no more excuses! if we share it with others. SMILE!
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EN ROUTE India JOSÉ MARÍA PÉREZ BERMEJO - GRUPO ANTOLIN INGENIERÍA
A few years ago when I saw the pictures and accounts of the great expeditions to the Himalayas on the TV, I never imagined that a few years later, I would experience first-hand one of those adventures that are the dream of nearly every mountaineering enthusiast.
The opportunity came up, and during my last holiday it materialised into the chance to go trekking through the Ladakh val- ley, in the region of Kashmir, in north- west India. The icing on the cake would be our ascent to the top of a peak that was fairly modest in height compared with the huge granite giants that spring up like mushrooms in these latitudes, but suffi- cient to test our resilience and determi- nation, and known by the name of “Stok Kangri” (6,153 m).
After the nightmare of preparing the We left the hustle and bustle of the capi- at 3,500 m above sea level, react in a much equipment, visas, customs checks and other tal behind us, along with the humid, more relaxed and even somewhat lazy fash- paperwork involved in any trip of this na- oppressive heat, to get to the starting ion. The first reports of the state of the trails ture, we finally landed in New Delhi, the point of our route between the valleys and on our itinerary don’t sound at all hope- capital of India and a representative that mountains: Leh, the main town in the ful, and we are told that many paths and was by no means unique of the sort of “or- Ladakh region. This area of India provided bridges have been literally wiped off the ganised chaos” shaping this country, refuge for some of the thousands of map because of the strength and volume where thousands of contraptions both ethnic Tibetans that fled their country when of water in the rivers after weeks of rain and with and without an engine, jostle with it was annexed by China, to such an extent snow at the top of the mountains. This set- one another for space to move through that it is now known as “Little Tibet”. back forces us to change our plans com- the city streets, avoiding cows, chickens, pletely, leading us to try to find a route hawkers and many a time, ... absent- Once there we now started to realise what going in completely the opposite direc- minded tourists. effect the altitude has on our bodies, which, tion to the one intended, and drastically re-
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ducing our period of acclimatisation to the virtually every step along the way, or altitude, which was absolutely essential around every corner. for the success of our mission. Although material poverty is evident along We went from the 250 m in Delhi to the with a tangible lack of resources, the locals 5,400 m at the advanced base camp in possess a richness of spirit that makes their four days.... headaches, drowsiness, and smile a symbol of identity for these people. nausea start to appear because of the al- titude. But the group marches on in tight Worthy of special mention in my memories formation determined to attack the Stok of this trip are the Sherpas, who are Kangri peak. happy, peaceful, friendly people. Extreme- ly talented mountaineers and high altitude However, the mountains dictate their own experts, and wearing only rubber sandals, rules and show man how insignificant he a shirt and an anorak with holes in it, they can become when he dares to defy them. are capable of overcoming the elements So, on the night chosen to start the climb and are capable to conquer even the most to the summit, the persistent rain that challenging peaks, making “western” hammers against our tents in the storm at mountaineers feel ridiculous and even base camp turns to snow at the summit, ashamed of themselves wrapped up in with it building up in sufficient quantity to several layers of ultratechnical thermal make it impossible to insert the nails to materials and boots, that even the great peg down the ropes on the ridge along Neil Armstrong himself would sign up for the crest of the mountain, and therefore, his conquest of the Moon. People capable Capital New Delhi faced with the risk of a fall, the decision to of drawing tears from even the strongest Language The official language continue might well be classed as “suici- person when, with no more protection is Hindi (30%), co-existing with dal”. Our guides advised abandoning the other than a shirt on their back and a big English as the language for business idea of going further up. Besides, the cold grin, they offer to give up their place under Population In July 2006 the mountain air had affected my health, with an awning to shelter from the rain. population was estimated as being the sudden change from the 40ºC and 1,095,351,995. 75% humidity in Delhi to the 2-3ºC at the I would not like to end without encoura- Geographical location base camp giving me a cold that hindered ging all those that get a kick out of Borders: in the northeast with my difficult breathing in an atmosphere going on big trips not to think twice, China, Bhutan and Nepal, in the that was already very low in oxygen. The should they have the opportunity, about east ...with Bangladesh and Stok Kangri adventure was over. including India in general and the Myranmar (Burma), in the Himalayas in particular as a top priority on southeast with the Bay of Bengal, in the southwest with the Arabian Despite the initial disappointment, the fact their list of potential places to go. I Sea and in the west with Pakistan. is that the other adventures experienced guarantee they will come back with their Currency Rupee. on the trip made up for that upset. India is heads full of scenes, sensations and per- Further information The a country that has so much to offer to sonal experiences that will be extremely Himalayas are a mountain range the traveller that is curious and avid for hard to forget and which, I have no located on the continent of Asia that emotion and surprises, which pop up at doubt, they will find highly enriching. extends across the countries of Bhutan, China, Nepal, Tibet, India and Pakistan, forming an arc from of 2,600 kilometres from east to west and another from north to south of 350 kilometres. It is the highest range of mountains on Earth, with 14 peaks rising to an altitude of over 8000 metres, with Mount Everest, at 8,848 metres, being the highest mountain in the world.
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