Valeo
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Valeo | |
 |
|
| Type | Public (Euronext Paris) |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1923 |
| Headquarters | Paris, France |
| Industry | Automotive |
| Products | automotive components |
| Employees | 70,400 |
| Slogan | Valeo Added |
| Website | www.valeo.com |
VALEO is a French automotive components manufacturer.
Contents |
[edit] History
The Société Anonyme Française du Ferodo was founded in 1923 in Saint-Ouen, a suburb of Paris. It first distributed brake linings and clutch facings under license of Ferodo UK. The society engaged in a diversification in the 1960’s by producing braking systems (1961), thermal systems (1962), electronical components (1963), and lightning systems (1970). In May 1980, the society was renamed Valeo, which means “I am fine” in Latin.
Valeo then engaged in an aggressive strategy of expansion, through many international acquisitions. Today, Valeo is split in 11 branches, most of which were bought to other automotive suppliers. Recent acquisitions include the engine systems division of Johnson Controls in France, and a former Visteon plant in the USA.
[edit] Organisation
Valeo manages 130 plants and 65 R&D centers in 26 countries. In 2005, its sales were distributed as follows: 69% in Europe, 15% in North America, 12% in Asia, and 4% in South America.
The Valeo Group is split in 3 main domains and 11 product families:
- Driving Assistance:
- Switches and Detection Systems (VSDS);
- Lighting Systems (VLS);
- Wiper Systems (VWS);
- Powertrain Efficiency:
- Engine Management Systems (VEMS);
- Electrical Systems (VES);
- Engine Cooling (VEC);
- Compressors (VC);
- Transmissions (VT);
- Comfort Enhancement:
- Security Systems (VSS);
- Climate Control (VCC);
- Electronics & Connective Systems (VECS)
In addition, Valeo Service supplies aftermarket products to professionals.
- Turnover repartition by product line
- Electronics: 63 %
- Thermal: 30 %
- Transmissions: 7 %
[edit] CEOs
- Noël Goutard: 1987 - May 2000
- André Navarri: May 2000 - February 2001
- Thierry Morin: since February 2001
[edit] The 5 Axes
Valeo has designed the 5 Axes methodology, which is the backbone of the firm’s identity. Its aim is to satisfy the client by achieving zero quality incidents, whichever the product and wherever it is manufactured. The 5 Axes are:
- Involvement of personnel;
- Production system;
- Supplier integration;
- Constant innovation;
- Total quality.
[edit] Competition
Main competition comes from Bosch, Delphi, Denso, TRW and Visteon.
[edit] Key figures
- Turnover (millions)
- 2004: €9,229
- 2005: €9,933
- Operating margin
- 2004: 3.6 %
- 2005: 3.1 %
