TROY — Canada’s Magna International Inc. announced Tuesday a milestone in production of its automotive rear view cameras — the production of its 10 millionth camera at Magna’s plant in the Oakland County community of Holly.
With more than 130,000 square feet of engineering and manufacturing space and approximately 390 employees, Magna Electronics Holly is the only rear view camera maker in the United States and the North American market leader in automotive camera manufacturing.
Holly ships its cameras to 47 different locations in North and South America, Europe and Asia. It began manufacturing cameras in 2005 and has steadily increased its annual output as rear view monitors and other camera-based driver assistance systems have grown in popularity.
The Holly operation also serves as the global incubator for Magna’s camera products and the manufacturing expertise required to make them. Since establishing its camera-manufacturing template in Holly, Magna has duplicated the processes and equipment in plants in Germany and China.
“This milestone is a testament to our innovative spirit and commitment to world-class manufacturing,” said Olaf Bongwald, vice president of Magna Electronics. “As driver assistance technologies continue to expand globally, Magna looks forward to sustained market leadership and future production milestones.”
Earlier this year, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration adopted a rule mandating rear visibility technology in all vehicles under 10,000 pounds by May 1, 2018. Magna says that provides more opportunities for its rear view camears.
Magna’s camera and driver assistance systems include rear view, side view and front-facing cameras that support systems such as adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, 360-degree bird’s-eye view and automated parking.
Magna Electronics Holly was recognized last month by the I-69 Next Michigan Development Corp. for job creation and positive impact on mid-Michigan.
More at www.magna.com.