Germany-based MBN Automotive, a global supplier of automotive components, has opened a new sales and customer support office in Hardware Park, Birmingham, Alabama. The Birmingham office is MBN’s first office in the US and will serve its OEM customers in the region.

Managing director of MBN, Christian Gerlach, said: “Birmingham offers perfect conditions with its training centres, universities, the possibility to recruit employees and the central location between existing and potential new customers. Likewise, the start-up structure and access to a qualified supplier base appear to be very good. In addition, the Birmingham Business Alliance convinced us right from the start with their commitment and willingness to support us in our start and development in Alabama.”

The company has received assistance from the Birmingham Business Alliance in site selection for its new office and developing community connections with organisations such as the Alabama Department of Commerce and AlabamaGermany Partnership.

Launched in 1991, MBN Automotive manufactures chassis assembly parts for automotive giants such as BMW, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz. The company employs more than 250 people and currently operates production units across China and Germany.