Automotive Safety Components International (ASCI) is the European Division of Safety Components International. We are the world’s leading independent manufacturer of automotive air bags and have developed a reputation for exceptional product quality, product innovation, lean manufacturing and on-time delivery. Our commitment to the automotive air bag market preceded the explosive industry growth of the 1990’s and has resulted in our dominate position as the European and global market leader. Our European market share exceeds 21% and we are strongly positioned for the growth projections of the new millennium.

We currently produce approximately 17 million air bags annually for the leading automotive companies in Europe including Mercedes, Porsche, Saab, Opel, Ford, Rover, Volkswagen and Audi.

LEAN MANUFACTURING

As one of the world’s leading producers of precision cut and sewn products in the world and as the low cost producer of air bags, we embrace lean manufacturing methodologies. We understand, practice and measure the principals of lean manufacturing in all our operations. The low cost demands of the automotive industry, combined with an industry need for continuous innovation and product change, has required excellence in manufacturing. We expect to continuously improve our competitive position by maximizing throughput of products, materials, information and decisions. Optimization of all our resources and the reduction of waste is our job…every hour and every day.

LOW COST PRODUCT FOCUS

Not only do we employ the most advanced manufacturing practices, we also organize our operations to insure the lowest manufacturing cost. We produce passenger, driver, curtain and side impact cushions and carry out module pre-assembly throughout the plants in Hildesheim, Germany; Jevicko, Czech Republic; and Sigisoara, Romania. Where possible we consolidate common products throughout our three manufacturing locations, we maximize all resources and manufacturing efficiencies. All guaranteed to supply the highest quality product to our customers…at the right time…in the right quantities…and at the lowest cost of production.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Our automotive mission is to continually explore and develop innovative, cost effective, enhanced value solutions for our customers. Our experienced engineering staff has an outstanding reputation for innovation and teamwork. We are the air bag professionals. Over twenty years of experience, combined with the latest state of the art manufacturing and design technology have made Safety Components the industry leaders.
Our European Development Center in Hildesheim, Germany offers a comprehensive service from airbag design and materials engineering to sample production. Maximum utilization of CAD/CAM technology enables us to achieve cost effective solutions to current and new products.
New design initiatives are manufactured in a dedicated sample production environment equipped with laser cutting and CNC sewing machines. Combined with our extensive laboratory and testing facilities, all new projects are tested to international standards and environmental stress conditions. We can take every project from concept to production, ensuring that all customer specifications are fulfilled.
See our Development Capabilities page for more information and contacts.

QUALITY

We are ISO 9001 / QS 9000 certified. As a dedicated member of the automotive industry, we were one of the first sewing companies to adopt and become certified under QS and ISO. We are currently aiming to have the TS16949:2002 project certified in QI 2004. These programs promote the development of standards , testing and certification to encourage the real commitment to quality products and services. Our registration and continued certifications under these programs is proof-positive that we are committed to continuous improvement of all procedures relating to meeting customer expectations. Each site has its own quality department with the Headquarters in Hildesheim.