Category: Press Releases

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (June 30, 2015) – TI Automotive, a leading provider of automotive fluid storage, carrying and delivery systems for passenger cars and light trucks, today announced the completion of the acquisition of the company by affiliates of Bain Capital, a leading global private investment firm. Financial terms of the private transaction, which was previously announced on January 27, 2015, were not disclosed.

TI Automotive has its corporate offices in Auburn Hills, Michigan and has facilities in 29 countries with highly diversified sales in every key market. TI Automotive has a broad yet exclusive focus on vehicle fluid management, and major global product areas include Fluid Carrying Systems, Tank Systems, Pump and Module Systems, HVAC Fluid Systems and Powertrain Components.

“TI Automotive is extremely excited to usher in our next phase of growth in partnership with Bain Capital,” said Bill Kozyra, TI Automotive President, CEO and Chairman of the Board, who will continue in his current roles leading the existing management team. “We are looking forward to working with Bain Capital which has been a big supporter of TI Automotive. This is an exciting time for our company.”

“TI Automotive has achieved leading market positions across its product lines by having a disciplined focus on manufacturing high quality, performance critical fluid systems for global automotive OEMs,” said Todd Cook, a Managing Director at Bain Capital. “Bain Capital brings deep experience and a track record of success in the global automotive industry. We look forward to collaborating with Bill Kozyra and the management team to grow the business by enhancing the product portfolio and advancing the technology at an even faster pace.”

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP served as legal counsel to TI Automotive. Blackstone Advisory Partners served as financial advisor, and Latham & Watkins LLP served as legal counsel to an ad hoc group of shareholders of TI Automotive. Goldman, Sachs & Co. and UBS Securities LLC served as financial advisors, Ropes & Gray served as legal counsel, and PWC served as accounting advisor, to Bain Capital. Lazard advised the non-executive Directors of TI Automotive’s Board of Directors.

About TI Automotive
TI Automotive is a highly diversified automotive supplier with leading market positions in the majority of its products. TI Automotive has a broad yet exclusive focus on vehicle fluid management, and major global product areas include Fluid Carrying Systems, Tank Systems, Pump and Module Systems, HVAC Fluid Systems, and Powertrain Components. The Company’s competitive advantages include its unparalleled revenue diversification, extensive low cost global footprint, award winning technologies, product development alignment with future regulatory requirements, optimal level of vertical integration, and a management team with a track record of significantly improved performance. For more information visit https://tifsglobal.wpengine.com.

About Bain Capital
Bain Capital, LLC (www.baincapital.com) is one of the world’s foremost private investment firms, with approximately $75 billion under management across several asset classes including private equity, venture capital, public equity, credit products and absolute return. Bain Capital’s more than 400 professionals are collectively the single largest investor in all of its funds and are dedicated to investing in and building its portfolio companies. Founded in 1984, Bain Capital has made private equity, growth, and venture capital investments in hundreds of companies around the world, and has deep experience in the industrials sector, with investments in companies including Sensata Technologies, FTE Automotive, Trinseo SA, ASIMCO and Hero MotoCorp Ltd. Bain Capital has offices in Boston, New York, Chicago, Palo Alto, London, Munich, Dublin, Luxembourg, Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Mumbai and Melbourne.

Media Contacts:

For TI Automotive:
Frank Buscemi
Global Communications Director
+1 248-494-5417
fbuscemi@us.tiauto.com

For Bain Capital:
U.S. Media
Alex Stanton
Stanton Public Relations & Marketing
+1 212-780-0701
astanton@stantonprm.com

European Media:
Ed Gascoigne-Pees
Camarco
+ 44 (0)20 3757 4984
ed.gascoigne-pees@camarco.co.uk

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (May 21, 2015) — TI Automotive, a leading global supplier of automotive fluid systems technology, hosted students from Bullock Creek High School of Midland, Michigan, at its Auburn Hills Tech Center on May 13.
The visit supported TI Automotive’s commitment to the national Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) Initiative, which encourages students in the U.S. to explore these fields for a possible career.
Roughly 30 students, ranging in age from 16 to 18 years old, observed several operations at the facility, where the company develops and tests automotive fluid systems including fuel tanks, fuel delivery systems, fluid carrying lines, and powertrain and HVAC systems.

Several senior-level engineers conducted tours and overviews of several technical areas and processes, allowing for students to receive an in-depth overview of automotive design and test procedures at TI Automotive.
“It’s interesting to see what we talk about in class being put to action in the real world,” said Michael Krueger, a student at Bullock Creek High School. “There were a lot of awesome things that I could see myself doing one day, especially the testing.”
The group visit was made possible through TI Automotive’s partnership with MICHAuto, a group within the Detroit Regional Chamber that provides a platform for collaboration on advocacy, awareness, business and talent attraction for the automotive industry in Michigan.

“Getting young people interested in a STEM-based career is critical for the long-term success of the automotive industry, and we are firmly committed to the initiative,” said Domenic Milicia, chief human resources and communications officer. “Some of the students who visited here today may take up careers in the automotive industry. Programs like this provide the foundation to make that a possibility.”

TI Automotive has a comprehensive co-op program that includes high schools and local colleges and universities.
One current student at TI Automotive, Sarah McBeth, has been with the program since her high school years at Rochester Adams. Now a mechanical engineering student at Purdue University, Sarah credits the co-op program for helping her get ahead in her field.

“It’s rare to see high school students with experience in engineering,” says McBeth. “The co-op program here has provided a great opportunity and allowed for me to experience several sides of engineering, and narrow down what I want to do.”

About TI Automotive
Fluid thinking™ shapes the mindset of TI Automotive. Global automotive manufacturers turn to TI Automotive to develop and produce industry-leading automotive fluid systems technology. Approximately two-thirds of the world’s vehicles contain technology from TI Automotive. With 24,000 employees at more than 125 locations in 29 countries, our strength lies in our ability to creatively meet and exceed the increasing fuel economy and emissions regulations of tomorrow’s auto industry.

Release Date: January 27, 2015

• Acquisition provides stable ownership, committed to growing business and investing in technology
• Existing management team will continue to lead TI Automotive

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – TI Automotive, a leading provider of fluid storage, carrying and delivery systems to automotive manufacturers, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Bain Capital, a leading global private investment firm. The existing management team will continue to lead the company. Financial terms of the private transaction were not disclosed.

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan and with facilities in 29 countries in all key markets, TI Automotive is a highly diversified automotive supplier with leading market positions across its product lines. TI Automotive has a broad yet exclusive focus on vehicle fluid management, and major global product areas include Fluid Carrying Systems, Tank Systems, Pump and Module Systems, HVAC Fluid Systems, and Powertrain Components.

“We are excited that Bain Capital will invest in TI Automotive to grow the business and to enable our team to focus solely on what we do best – manufacturing high quality, safety critical fluid systems for our customers,” said Bill Kozyra, TI Automotive President, CEO and Chairman of the Board, who will continue in his current roles. “Bain Capital brings to TI Automotive a deep understanding of our business and a well-known track record of global success in the automotive industry, and we look forward to partnering with them.”

“TI Automotive is a market leading company that serves its customers’ needs extraordinarily well, through a combination of innovative engineering, extensive experience, and a very strong commitment to quality,” said Todd Cook, a Managing Director at Bain Capital. “We look forward to partnering with Bill and the TI management team to support them in their next phase of growth.”

The transaction has committed financing in place and is not subject to a financing condition.  The deal is subject to approval from TI Automotive shareholders, a substantial majority of which have pledged to support the deal.  Closing is expected in mid-2015, pending regulatory review and other customary closing conditions.

Weil, Gotshal, & Manges LLP is serving as legal counsel to TI Automotive. Blackstone Advisory Partners is serving as financial advisor and Latham & Watkins LLP is serving as legal counsel to an ad hoc group of shareholders of TI Automotive. Goldman, Sachs & Co. and UBS Securities LLC are serving as financial advisors, Ropes & Gray is serving as legal counsel, and PWC is serving as accounting advisor, to Bain Capital. Lazard is advising the non-executive Directors of TI Automotive’s Board of Directors.

About TI Automotive

TI Automotive is a highly diversified automotive supplier with leading market positions in the majority of its products. TI Automotive has a broad yet exclusive focus on vehicle fluid management, and major global product areas include Fluid Carrying Systems, Tank Systems, Pump and Module Systems, HVAC Fluid Systems, and Powertrain Components. The Company’s competitive advantages include its unparalleled revenue diversification, extensive low cost global footprint, award winning technologies, product development alignment with future regulatory requirements, optimal level of vertical integration, and a management team with a track record of significantly improved performance. For more information visit https://tifsglobal.wpengine.com.

About Bain Capital

Bain Capital, LLC (www.baincapital.com) is one of the world’s foremost private investment firms, with approximately $80 billion under management across several asset classes including private equity, venture capital, public equity, credit products and absolute return. Bain Capital’s more than 400 professionals are collectively the single largest investor in all of its funds and are dedicated to investing in and building its portfolio companies. Founded in 1984, Bain Capital has made private equity, growth, and venture capital investments in hundreds of companies around the world, and has deep experience in the industrials sector, with investments in companies including Sensata Technologies, FTE Automotive, Trinseo SA, ASIMCO and Hero MotoCorp Ltd. Bain Capital has offices in Boston, New York, Chicago, Palo Alto, London, Munich, Dublin, Luxembourg, Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Mumbai and Melbourne.

Media Contacts:

For TI Automotive:

Frank Buscemi

Global Communications Director

+1 248-494-5417

fbuscemi@us.tiauto.com

 

For Bain Capital:

U.S. Media

Alex Stanton

Stanton Public Relations & Marketing

+1 212-780-0701

astanton@stantonprm.com

 

European Media:

Ed Gascoigne-Pees

Camarco

+ 44 (0)20 3757 4984

ed.gascoigne-pees@camarco.co.uk

 

• TI Automotive highlighted its global customer and product portfolio that provides “OEM performance in the box” for Asia replacement applications
• TI Automotive showcased replacement fuel systems products and technology for Asia aftermarket applications
• Company confirmed its distribution channels and local presence with 15 manufacturing locations in China
• Showed the “2015 TIA Racer” concept race car based on the Dodge Viper® as demonstration of TI Automotive’s high-performance and endurance fuel systems

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (Dec. 12, 2014) — TI Automotive, a leading global supplier of automotive fluid systems technology, participated for the first time in the annual Automechanika Shanghai automotive trade show held this year in Shanghai from December 9–12, 2014.

“While this is our first time at this show, TI Automotive was one of the first global automotive suppliers to enter the China market nearly 30 years ago and we continue to expand our reach within the region,” said Dave Barbeau, managing director, Global Aftermarket, TI Automotive. “While the Automechanika Shanghai show focuses primarily on the aftermarket, local manufacturing and distribution reach within China, it is important for us to highlight our global OEM customer presence, brand attributes and technological leadership.”

TI Automotive produces fuel pumps and modules for the Chinese aftermarket and complete fuel tank systems, fuel delivery systems, fluid carrying systems, HVAC systems and powertrain products for the OEM market in China. The company has 15 locations in China and most recently opened a new fuel tank systems manufacturing facility in Guangzhou, China in March of 2014.

As a demonstration of TI Automotive’s high-performance fuel systems, the company displayed a “2015 TIA Racer” concept based on the Dodge Viper^®. TI Automotive provides the vehicle fuel systems for some of the highest engine efficiencies and performance outputs in the industry.

“The TIA Racer concept picks up on our limited sponsorship this year in the IMSA TUDOR United Sports Car Championships endurance series that competes on the iconic race tracks in the United States,” said Al Deane, chief technology officer, TI Automotive. “Showing the number 15 concept gives an advance look at our plans for 2015 with the technical relationship we announced at the SEMA show in November with the Viper Exchange and Riley Technologies racing team. Dodge leaders have described the Viper as ‘America’s only hand-built super car’ and we thought it would be great to showcase in China.”

Over an estimated 85,000 local and international visitors attended during the four-day show.

LAS VEGAS (November 5, 2014) — TI Automotive, a leading global supplier of fluid storage, carrying and delivery technology, announced today at the 2014 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show that it has adopted TI Automotive as the brand name for all of its high-performance aftermarket products. Previously, the company had manufactured fuel pumps under the Walbro brand name.

“The TI Automotive name may be new to some in the aftermarket, but our products are not,” explained David Barbeau, the managing director of Global Aftermarket for Pump & Module Systems for TI Automotive. “For over 60 years, Walbro products have been synonymous with innovation and performance here in the United States. That same commitment to product performance comes with our move to exclusively use the TI Automotive brand.”

Barbeau pointed out that TI Automotive’s technical and engineering expertise brings OE standards to performance fuel pumps for the aftermarket, with the same level of innovation, quality and performance. He said that’s why the aftermarket industry’s leading brands turn to TI Automotive for the most complete offering of true, OE-quality fuel system replacement parts.

“Our automotive fuel pumps deliver superior flow throughout a wide pressure range, to produce major horsepower gains, unrivaled performance and unmatched durability,” said Barbeau.

Some of the world’s highest performing production vehicles like the Koneigsegg One:1, Dodge Viper, Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, Charger SRT Hellcat and Bugatti Veyron feature TI Automotive fuel systems technology.

TI Automotive fuel pumps and modules are designed for quiet, efficient, low-voltage performance and unsurpassed durability. They are specifically engineered to meet the demands of today’s high-pressure, high-flow engines with efficient and robust performance.

With an award-winning product portfolio, TI Automotive has some of the world’s most advanced plastic fuel tank and fuel delivery systems, as well as a wide range of fluid carrying technology for HVAC, powertrain, under hood and under body systems.

For further product information, contact:
Frank Buscemi
Global Communications Director
TI Automotive
248-494-5417
fbuscemi@us.tiauto.com

For further PR information, contact:
Gary McCoy
Public Relations Director
The Marx Group
847-622-7228
gmccoy@themarxgrp.com

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (July 8, 2014) — TI Automotive, a leading global supplier of fluid storage, carrying and delivery technology, has named Matthew Paroly chief legal officer and company secretary. He replaces Tim Guerriero, who is retiring after 15 years with the company.

“Matt brings a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience within the automotive industry to TI Automotive, and we look forward to his contributions,” said Bill Kozyra, chairman, CEO and president, TI Automotive.

Paroly has more than 20 years of experience in private law practice and in-house executive and legal positions with both public and private companies. He has extensive experience in key areas of corporate law, including financial transactions and joint ventures, regulatory compliance, corporate governance and disclosure requirements. He has also managed legal support for a wide range of functional and commercial activities, such as sales, purchasing, distribution, aftermarket, intellectual property and human resources.

Prior to joining TI Automotive, Paroly worked with several automotive suppliers and manufacturers, including Nexteer Automotive, Fisker Automotive, Meridian Automotive and Delphi Corporation.

Paroly is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Harvard Law School, and is a member of both the State Bar of Michigan and State Bar of California.

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (April 24, 2014) — TI Automotive, a leading global supplier of fluid storage, carrying and delivery technology, has named David Barbeau the managing director of Global Aftermarket for Pump & Module Systems. In his new role, Barbeau will be based in Auburn Hills, Mich., and will be responsible for all aspects of TI Automotive’s global aftermarket business.

“We look forward to expanding the reach and scope of our global aftermarket business through Dave’s substantial industry experience and demonstrated success,” said Jan Svec, executive vice president, Pump & Module Systems Division, TI Automotive.

Barbeau has more than 35 years of experience in the global aftermarket industry. Prior to joining TI Automotive, he worked with several automotive parts companies, including Monroe Auto Equipment Company, ARA Automotive Group, APS Inc., Auto Parts Express and Delphi Automotive, where he was responsible for the Global Independent Aftermarket Business Unit. He also worked as an independent consultant providing business improvement advice to companies in the automotive aftermarket.

“I am excited to be a part of the TI Automotive team. TI Automotive has an excellent reputation for quality, and our goal is to accelerate the growth of our aftermarket business globally,” said Barbeau.

Barbeau has served on the boards of the Automotive Sales Council, the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) and the Automotive Suppliers Association (AASA).

He is a resident of Sugar Land, Texas, and a graduate of Saint Louis University in St. Louis, Mo.

TI Automotive currently provides stock and high-performance fuel pump and module products through the Walbro, Marwal and TI Automotive brands.

TI Automotive’s award-winning Tank Advanced Process Technology (TAPT) is an adaptable plastic fuel tank production process technology for all vehicle powertrain systems – gasoline, diesel, flex-fuel or hybrid. The revolutionary new process enables the production of different types of plastic fuel tanks from a single blow molding tool set design and enables more integration flexibility than ever before. The new process is currently in use to produce fuel tanks for the all-new 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

• New Tank Advanced Process Technology (TAPT) expands upon award-winning Ship-in-a-Bottle (SIB) process to provide flexibility in integrating fuel components within fuel tank assembly
• Highly adaptable process enables the production of different types of tanks on current blow molding machines from a single tooling set design
• TI Automotive’s third Automotive News PACE Award since 2009

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (April 8, 2014) — TI Automotive, a leading global supplier of fluid storage, carrying and delivery technology, won a 2014 Automotive News PACE Award for its revolutionary Tank Advanced Process Technology (TAPT) for the production of plastic fuel tanks.

TAPT is a flexible manufacturing process that makes it possible to produce multiple types of fuel tanks for all types of powertrains – diesel, gasoline, flex-fuel, partial zero emissions vehicles (PZEV) and hybrid – from a single blow tooling set design. Currently, OEMs traditionally source the different vehicle tanks by engine type or regional differences. TAPT allows for global standardization of complete vehicle platforms.

The new production process expands on TI Automotive’s 2009 Automotive News PACE Award-winning Ship-in-a-Bottle (SIB) fuel tank, in which a pre-loaded carrier assembly was inserted into the plastic parison during blow molding. While SIB enabled production of the world’s first plastic PZEV saddle-shaped fuel tank, placement of fuel system components was limited on some applications due to the 10-inch (25.5 cm) plastic parison opening process.

During TAPT, a pre-formed blow-molded parison is separated into two halves while a robot inserts the fuel system components into designated areas of the tank assembly – without size or location limitations. The entire process takes less than one minute and uses existing blow molding equipment with the added key enabler of gripper features in the mold tooling design.

“TI Automotive has made tremendous strides in plastic fuel tank production, and this award supports our global commitment to innovation,” said Bill Kozyra, chairman, CEO and president of TI Automotive. “TAPT provides substantial flexibility in vehicle design, as we are able to optimize component placement, reduce weight, reduce fuel slosh noise or increase stiffness – depending on application – and establish worldwide standards to support global vehicle platforms.”

In addition, TAPT also makes it possible to build a stiff or pressurized fuel tank for hybrid vehicle applications through a unique double-molding process. During production, stiffening structures are inserted into the tank, which enable it to retain shape and pressure under the operating conditions of the hybrid-electric vehicle battery pack.

TAPT-based fuel tanks are currently in production for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, with additional programs currently under development in Europe, North America and Asia. TI Automotive has been recognized with more than 20 global patents for the technology key enabling features.

This is the third Automotive News PACE Award the company has won during the past six years. In addition to SIB, TI Automotive also won in 2010 for its Dual-Channel, Single-Stage (DCSS) fuel pump.

• Facility produces plastic fuel tank systems for Chinese domestic market
• Company’s second blow-molding fuel tank facility within China
• 15th TI Automotive facility within China

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (March 4, 2014) — TI Automotive, a leading global supplier of automotive fluid systems, officially dedicated its newest fuel tank systems production facility today in Guangzhou, China. The 67,000-square-foot (6,200-square-meter) facility is TI Automotive’s second fuel tank production facility within China and produces blow-molded plastic fuel tanks for Nissan, Toyota, Peugeot Citröen and Qoros.

The new Guangzhou facility is representative of the growth within the plastic fuel tank segment of the automotive industry.

“As global automakers look to reduce weight and improve emissions, plastic fuel tanks play a major role,” said Hans Dieltjens, executive vice president, Fuel Tank Systems, TI Automotive. “During the past decade, TI Automotive has developed some of the most advanced blow-molding production technology in the industry and have been producing award-winning products that improve packaging and component placement, while reducing emissions and weight.”

TI Automotive’s new Tank Advanced Process Technology (TAPT) is currently a finalist for a 2014 Automotive News PACE Award. Its Ship-in-a-Bottle production system, used to make partial-zero emissions vehicle (PZEV) plastic fuel tanks, won the award in 2009.

This is TI Automotive’s 15th facility within China, which continues to be a growth region for the company.

“China and the Asia-Pacific region will continue to play a key role in our growth,” said Bill Kozyra, chairman, CEO and president, TI Automotive. “We established our first facility in China in 1985 and now have an excellent footprint here, but we expect this to grow as our customers increase their reach within the region.”

During the past five years, TI Automotive has opened new facilities in the Czech Republic, Mexico, Russia and in additional locations in China to meet industry expansion.

TI Automotive employs 40 people at the Guangzhou facility.

• Automotive fluid systems technology is featured on a wide range of new vehicles and powertrains
• TI Automotive technology is featured on nearly two-thirds of the vehicles on the show floor
• New Tank Advanced Process Technology (TAPT) makes worldwide debut on Mercedes-Benz S-Class vehicles

 AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (Jan. 16, 2014) — TI Automotive, a leading global supplier of fluid storage, carrying and delivery technology, supplies products to nearly two-thirds of the vehicles built around the world. At the 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), TI Automotive products are featured on several vehicles making their worldwide debut, demonstrating the company’s broad product range and ability to support multiple powertrain applications.

“During the past five years, TI Automotive has continued to develop award-wining technology, significantly expanded its global reach and continued to balance its customer base,” said Bill Kozyra, chairman, CEO and president, TI Automotive. “As a result, our products are becoming more and more prevalent on vehicles around the world — such as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class vehicle, launched at NAIAS, which was part of the largest contract in company history.”

TI Automotive was recently named a finalist for a 2014 Automotive News PACE Award for its Tank Advanced Process Technology (TAPT), which is used to produce the plastic fuel tanks for the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class vehicles.

The Chevy Silverado and Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, which were named North American Car and Truck of the Year, respectively, both feature TI Automotive technology.

Nearly two-thirds of the vehicles on the NAIAS floor contain products from TI Automotive, including some of the all-new vehicles:

• Audi Q3
• BMW i3
• BMW 2-Series
• BMW M3
• BMW M4
• Cadillac CTS
• Cadillac ATS Coupe
• Chevrolet Corvette Z06
• Chrysler 200
• GMC Canyon
• Hyundai Genesis
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class
• Mercedes-Benz S-Class