WPCIA Washington September 20, 2016

　　Sika is tapping into the future potential of the automotive sector in Latin America by opening a new factory for adhesives and acoustic products in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Today, more than 25 million vehicles produced worldwide are made stronger and safer with the company's structural adhesives, while its acoustic systems reduce interior noise by more than 30%.

　　The new factory in Sao Paolo with its adjoining Technology Center will manufacture adhesives and a wide range of acoustic products for the automotive market in Latin America. The high-performance technologies are used in various applications, including acoustic and sealing applications, to reduce the noise level in cars, or to structurally bond vehicle body shells. Bonding technology has huge advantages over welding and helps the automotive industry respond to current trends in modern vehicle construction, such as crash resistance, lightweight construction and mixed material design. Thanks to Sika products, vehicles are becoming safer, lighter, quieter and more environmentally friendly.

　　Dave Jones, Head of Global Automotive at Sika: "Following the successful acquisition of Colauto in 2011, we remain strongly committed to the region's automotive industry and are investing further in the expansion of our product portfolio and production capacities. As the market leader, we are devoted to locally serve our customers and offer them our full range of innovative products. We are proud to be able to provide our global product range in Brazil to international car makers such as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Ford, General Motors, Volkswagen and Toyota."