ORLANDO, Fla. and HAUPPAUGE, N.Y., Jan. 20, 2016 — VOXX International Corporation (NASDAQ:VOXX), a leading manufacturer and distributor of automotive, consumer accessories and premium audio products, today announced the grand-opening of its new, flagship VOXXHirschmann OEM manufacturing facility based in Orlando, FL. A groundbreaking ceremony was held this afternoon at 3 p.m. ET.
VOXX International chose Orlando due to its local-based talent pool for expansion, proximity to major transportation hubs and business friendly climate. The decision to consolidate and expand its VOXXHirschmann Automotive manufacturing capabilities was driven by customer demand of its new technologies as the Company continues to work with tier-one and OEMs in delivering innovative technologies for the connected car. This facility is tied together with OEM operations in the metro Detroit area.
Since acquiring Hirschmann Car Communications (“Hirschmann) in 2012, the Company has been awarded over $500 million in new contracts and continues to solidify its position as a leading supplier of rear-seat infotainment systems, ultra remote start systems, vehicle telematics, BT passive entry/exit, digital receivers/tuners, mobile multi-media tuners, and antennas. This was made possible through the 2014 consolidation of the Company’s independent OEM operations of Hirschmann, Code Systems and Invision into VOXXHirschmann. By combining resources, VOXXHirschmann and its global customers immediately benefitted through the sharing of intellectual property and product engineering capabilities. This also further strengthened the Company’s status as a true tier-one global manufacturer and opened up new sales channels across the globe.
Today, VOXXHirschmann proudly counts among its Automotive OEM customers, Audi Group, BMW, Mercedes, Ford, GM, FCA, Toyota, Nissan, Volkswagen, Kia, Mazda, Subaru, and many others.
Pat Lavelle, President and CEO of VOXX International stated, “This is a major milestone for our Company and I would like to personally thank everyone involved, from Governor Scott to Mayor Jacobs and their respective staffs, and all those who made this facility opening possible. With over 250 product development specialists and engineers on staff, we continue to bring to market new technologies that bridge the gap in consumer and automotive technologies, while bringing the concept of the connected car to life and with this new facility we significantly enhance our production capabilities.”
With its new OEM facility operational, VOXXHirschmann is in position to capitalize on increased customer demand and fulfill its promise to drive new technology applications that bring consumer connectivity and content to and from the vehicle. This facility, which to start will house over 300 employees, has the full support of Enterprise Florida, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, CareerSource Florida, Orange County and the Orlando Economic Development Commission.
VOXX was founded by the Company’s Chairman John Shalam over 50 years ago as a car stereo company, and has deep-seeded roots in the Automotive market. Over the years, VOXX has grown its capabilities through acquisition and strategic investments in technology, people and resources. In addition to the core OEM product offerings, VOXXHirschmann is also developing biometric security solutions for the Automotive industry, leveraging the technology and intellectual property of EyeLock, LLC, and its most recent acquisition.
