Neapco takes over IFA: New power center for drive systems in Saxony-Anhalt!

Neapco takes over IFA: New power center for drive systems in Saxony-Anhalt!

In a surprising twist on the German automotive supplier market, the US group Neapco is taking over the Haldensleben, Saxony-Anhalt-based automotive supplier IFA. As the Borken newspaper reports, this merger will create a company that will become one of the largest of its kind in the world.

With over 5,000 employees and planned sales of around two billion US dollars (around 1.72 billion euros), Neapco is sending a clear signal for the future. IFA, which has been part of the portfolio of the Munich industrial group AEQUITA since mid-2022, is one of the companies with the highest sales in Saxony-Anhalt. Managing director Jan Maser sees great opportunities in the integration into the Neapco Group to position IFA successfully in the long term.

About the industry in transition

The takeover takes place in an environment that is characterized by major challenges for the German automotive and supplier industry. According to an analysis by PwC The industry is facing an unprecedented decline characterized by the introduction of electric drives and digitalization. These structural changes are greater than in the last 30 years and require enormous adaptability from suppliers.

The IFA Group in particular, which specializes in drive shafts and joints and operates internationally in the USA, China and Poland, has experienced difficult times during the corona pandemic. Hundreds of jobs were cut. Nevertheless, there is a ray of hope for works council chairman Henning Raguschke: Despite the insolvency of Neapco Europe in Düren, there is hope for a positive turnaround at IFA.

A new perspective for IFA

The upcoming works meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, will be crucial to inform the workforce about the upcoming changes and integration into the Neapco Group. While the Neapco location in Düren is currently struggling with financial difficulties, the takeover of IFA could still be strategically wise to combine strengths and open up new markets.

The IFA Group is now one of the ten companies with the highest sales in Saxony-Anhalt, which is now becoming even more important due to the current market situation. Neapco, based in the USA, brings enormous expertise in the development of powertrain products - from cars to commercial vehicles to agricultural applications. Given these dimensions, the potential for IFA to prosper in this new constellation appears to be significant.

At the same time, there are also other interesting players in the industry, such as the Selzer Group, which specializes in innovative components for automobiles and is based in Driedorf, Hesse. The Selzer Group is also part of the growing group of automotive suppliers who are adapting to the new challenges of the market and at the same time proving their innovative strength.

For employees at IFA and the industry as a whole, it remains to be seen how things will develop. The biggest goal remains to assert ourselves in a rapidly changing market and create new opportunities. The commitment of IFA and Neapco could be the key to regaining the necessary trust and stability.