Auburn, Ala. – German-based Borbet Group, a leading European manufacturer of light metal alloy wheels for the automobile industry, recently announced the appointment of Ulf M. Kranz as its new President and CEO. Borbet will also hire a new Chief Operating Officer, Dieter Schmidt.

“We’re proud to get Mr. Ulf M. Kranz in our Auburn operation. Both Mr. Kranz and Mr. Schmidt have the experience to continue to grow the business and to improve the operation capabilities of Borbet in the USA,” said Borbet owner Peter Wilhelm Borbet.

Borbet took over the aluminum wheels plant in Auburn Technology Park North in spring of 2008. Since then, the company has steadily increased production, with a total volume of 1.3 million wheels in 2012. With demand still above capacity, production plans call for at least 1.4 million wheels in 2013.

Founded in 1881 in Germany, the family-run business has been producing light-alloy wheels since 1997. Borbet is recognized throughout the world as a specialist in design excellence and high quality in aluminum wheels.

“With employment of approximately 375, up from around 200 in 2008, Borbet has become one of Auburn’s top manufacturing employers,” said Auburn Mayor Bill Ham, Jr. “They’re a valuable asset to Auburn and I look forward to their continued growth.”

For more information, contact Economic Development at 501-7270.