2021 AT A GLANCE
Conversation with the Chairman
Ernesto Antolin
Chairman of Grupo Antolin
With the determination to be better each day, we continue to build a business model that seeks to have a positive impact on our stakeholders, while moving forward with the strategy to establish ourselves as a provider of innovative and advanced vehicle interior solutions
With the determination to be better each day, we continue to build a business model that seeks to have a positive impact on our stakeholders, while moving forward with the strategy to establish ourselves as a provider of innovative and advanced vehicle interior solutions
In Grupo Antolin’s last report, you summed up the 2020 financial year with two words: responsibility and solidarity. What words or what headline would you use to summarize Grupo Antolin’s performance during 2021?
The 2021 financial year has been very complex for the entire industry as a consequence of the global economic effects the pandemic has continued to cause; the most significant being the disruption to the global supply chain, but we should also not forget the inflationary pressure through raw materials and logistics. It is undoubtedly a challenging situation, but the strength of large companies is being demonstrated at this time and I believe that Grupo Antolin has been able to rise to the occasion. Thanks to our teams, who are the heart of our business, we have once again shown our great capacity for adaptation, flexibility and efficiency in responding to this environment.
A major milestone this year is approving the new environmental, social and governance objectives to continue developing its sustainable business model. What has been considered when defining these and what does it mean for the company?
The approval of the new objectives is another very important step in our commitment to our activity helping in some way to build a fairer and better planet in all regards: environmental, ethical, respect for Human Rights, development of talent in the new generations and more. As companies we are not isolated entities, but rather key members of the society in which we live, so we have a big responsibility to contribute to its development and well-being. This is even more true for a company with the characteristics of ours, which is so diverse, with many nationalities and operating in dozens of locations throughout 26 countries; many in small towns where we are the leading employer. With this conviction, the objectives seek to generate value in three main areas –Planet, People and Business– through specific and tangible initiatives, which have been being developed for years, but which will now gain new momentum and strength. The framework for action for all of this is the 2030 Agenda, its associated objectives and goals, and the 10 Principles of the Global Compact to which we have been fully committed since 2004.
The automotive industry is facing a particularly challenging situation due to the demands arising from a new way of understanding mobility. How is Grupo Antolin responding to this enormous challenge?
First of all, what we are certain about is that the vehicle will continue to be the main element in the new mobility, as it has been for more than a century, but it will be a completely transformed vehicle that is more focused on people and their real needs. A vehicle that will offer services and features never seen before that will make it a more important space in our daily lives. Connectivity, digitalization and sustainability are the key elements of that transformation. At Antolin, we want to participate through our specialist area, the vehicle interior, to help create a smart space that focuses on the passenger, providing safety, comfort, entertainment and, of course, all this in a more sustainable compartment. The business strategy we launched three years ago follows this road map and we are making progress along the right path.
Our engineering teams are developing sustainable products and solutions that offer a differential value to the customer, who need their key suppliers if they want to meet their environmental objectives
Our engineering teams are developing sustainable products and solutions that offer a differential value to the customer, who need their key suppliers if they want to meet their environmental objectives
What milestones or initiatives within that strategy would you highlight for this financial year?
I believe that all the work on the development of new solutions that add more value to our products by incorporating electronics and lighting content has been very important. For example, we won the contract for the first touch control unit project, which brings together a sophisticated decorative design, ambient lighting, capacitive switches and electronics into a single part. We have also expanded our strategic partnerships and it is worth highlighting the new joint venture with NAEN that has improved our capacities in advanced electronics in the Chinese market. In terms of innovation, we presented the two new virtual Concept Cars to the market and to the customers. These reflect our vision of the vehicle interior of the future and the innovative solutions on which we are working. We were also at the Shanghai Auto Show for the first time, showcasing our disruptive technologies in three strategic areas: cockpits, electronics and lighting & HMI (Human Machine Interface).
As you explained, innovation and technological development play a central role in the strategy. What are the key elements of this commitment to innovation as a core business strategy?
When we talk about innovation at Antolin, we are not just referring to what happens in the Innovation Department. We are referring to 360-degree innovation as the foundation for a working culture that is always open to new ideas and that promotes boldness with the ultimate goal of seeking the best solution, product or process. It is an innovation that puts the customer at the center and it is a key piece in the development of the company’s sustainable business model. Starting from this principle, we are taking advantage of the full potential offered by digitalization and new technologies in the research and development of processes and products with the idea of adding value. During the year, progress has been made in all fields, from topics very closely linked to the pandemic, such as work on purification systems inside the vehicle, to more disruptive actions such as research into the potential for nano-fibers to improve hydrogen fuel cells. Many advanced industry projects are also being applied at our plants and these allow us to be more efficient and competitive.
What progress has been made during 2021 in the objectives of transitioning toward a low-carbon economy and moving towards the circular economy? How has Grupo Antolin contributed to these new demands?
Innovation and technological development are also behind our progress in the circular economy and support for the decarbonization of the industry. In this regard, we are working on reducing the weight of the components, which is essential if we are going to help the brands roll out electric vehicles, and on using natural and recycled materials. The best example is the development of overhead systems with sustainable solutions that use material from urban waste and used tires. Few companies in the industry have the experience and knowledge to innovate in traditional products, such as a headliner, and turn them into a more sustainable solution. Meanwhile, we are making great efforts to improve the circular economy in our own value chain by working with our suppliers, as well as the new objectives that we have set to reduce the emissions from our centers with the goal of being a completely carbon neutral company by 2050.
Does this profound transformation that the sector is undergoing also imply a change in the way professionals in the sector work? What is the role of a company like Grupo Antolin in this phenomenon?
If we want to adapt to the rapid changes in our industry, we must strengthen our working culture by improving our people management strategy in all aspects: leadership, talent management and training. Our responsibility as a company is to create an ideal working environment, one that is safe, diverse, motivating and that encourages continuous learning, and to provide the appropriate tools and knowledge to achieve this. In the area of talent, which is key to the success of any company, employees must be offered training and professional development opportunities and we must ensure that we have the appropriate people that we need today and, above all, that we are going to need in the future. We are therefore strengthening our dual training and young talent development programs and expanding agreements with national and international universities.
Let’s take a moment to think about the future three years from now. How do you see it as the chairman of a large company like Grupo Antolin?
We are facing tough challenges due to the stoppage of customer production resulting from the semiconductor crisis and the rise in raw material prices, but we have the ability to overcome them and come out stronger thanks to hard work, commitment and our ambition to be the best, which have been the essential factors, together with the commitment to innovation, in turning us into one of the market leaders in vehicle interiors. This combination will allow us to grow in the coming years in such a way that we can help improve mobility by creating smart interiors in permanent partnership with our customers. I am also confident that we can continue to generate social well-being and wealth in our regions.
At Antolin, our working culture seeks excellence and this means that every person who makes up the company works every day to give the best of themselves
At Antolin, our working culture seeks excellence and this means that every person who makes up the company works every day to give the best of themselves
2021 Milestones
Innovation and technology
- Participation in virtual CES to present its two new virtual Concept Cars.
- Partnership with Net4Things: to research the connected car.
- Plug and Play y Startup Autobahn platforms: expansion of the innovative ecosystem.
- Entry into the Car Connectivity Consortium: development of Car Entry Systems.
- Joint Venture with NAEN in China to develop integrated electronic solutions for the vehicle interior.
- Recognition of a student from the Polytechnic University of Valencia as winner of the Grupo Antolin’s Design Challenge.
- New claim
Intelligent. Integrated. Inside.
Presentation of the new claim as part of the company’s new brand positioning, which focuses on leading the change that the industry is experiencing through the interior, the vehicle and people. - Creation of the Automotive Innovation Lab.
Sustainable and responsible business
- Grupo Antolin-Saltillo received the Heath and Safety distinction.
- Recognition from Forética during the JOBS 2030 meeting.
- Grupo Antolin-Silao received the Activated Company distinction from the Sports Commission of the State of Guanajuato (Mexico).
- Grupo Antolin-Tlaxcala given an award by Geocycle.
- Grupo Antolin-Autotrim recognized by Asepeyo for occupational risk prevention.
- Grupo Antolin renews its commitment to entrepreneurship with POLO Positivo.
- Collaboration with Unicef to improve access to the COVID-19 vaccine.
- Grupo Antolin renews its commitment to entrepreneurship with POLO Positivo.
- Collaboration with Unicef to improve access to the COVID-19 vaccine.
- Antolin Chengdu: Volvo Cars Green Energy award, which recognizes the sustainable supply chain.
- Antolin Chengdu: Volvo Cars Green Energy award, which recognizes the sustainable supply chain.
- Presence on the round table of the Institute of Governance and Society (Instituto de Gobernanza y Sociedad) and the Institute of the Company (Instituto de Empresa).
- eBú has received recognition through the EPD certificate.
- Participation in the Ibercaja Sustainability Week.
- For the tenth consecutive year, Global Compact has granted Grupo Antolin’s Progress Report the Advanced Level.
- Presence in the Dossier of Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights of the Global Compact.
- CSR Europe includes Grupo Antolin as an example of good practice in Workforce transition.
- Participation in the Dual Education forum of Vocational Education in Shenyang.
- Grupo Antolin-RYA in the European project,Working Age.
Winner of awards from its customers
- Changshu Antolin: award from Jaguar and Land Rover JLRQ.
- Grupo Antolin, General Motors 2021 award as supplier of the year.
- Grupo Antolin, General Motors 2021 award as supplier of the year.
- Grupo Antolin-Saltillo recognized by General Motors.
- Grupo Antolin-India recognized by Chennai Ford.
- Irauto granted an award by General Motors.
- Trimtec and Intertrim have been given an award by Honda in Brazil.
- Grupo Antolin-Primera (Louisville), winner of the award Ford Q1.
- Supplier Quality Excellence Award from General Motors to Grupo Antolin-Saltillo, Grupo Antolin-Michigan, NHK Antolin Thailand and Grupo Antolin-India.
Other Recognitions
- City of Burgos Award for Knowledge and Innovation won by Antolin.
- Industrial company with the best reputation in Spain according to Merco Empresas.
- Award for the “inAntolin” internal communications strategy.
- FACYL recognition for its founding partners on its 20th anniversary.
- José Antolin Toledano won the Castile and León Emprende 2021 Lifetime Award.
- Grupo Antolin, winner of the Best Internal Brand category at the Aebrand Awards (Spanish Branding Association).
- Recognition for Maria Helena Antolin at the end of her term of office as Chair of the Spanish Association of Automotive Suppliers (Sernauto).
Present at leading events
- Breakfast at Cibeles Palace with the Mayor of Madrid on International Women’s Day.
- International Conference on Plastics in the Automotive Industry.
- Round table on industry during the third edition of the MOVES program, organized by the Ministry for Environmental Transition.
- Participation in the 35th IESE Mobility Conference.
- Round table on Circular economy, an opportunity for the company at a conference by the General Directorate for Quality and Environmental Assessment.
- Support for the Choose France initiative at the 4th International Business Summit Event.
- Round table on the Automotive and Aeronautical sector on the occasion of preparing the 2nd Industrial Promotion Master Plan 2021-2025 of the Regional Government of Castile and Leon (Spain).
- 35th Meeting of the Digital Economy and Telecommunications #santander35 of AMETIC.
- 3rd Women and Leadership Conference organized by @50&50 within the 2nd Young People and Leadership program, sponsored by Grupo Antolin.
- 7th European Funds Forum, the keys to recovery organized by KPMG and the EFE agency.
- 25th Anniversary of the Spanish Federation of Technology Centers (FEDIT [Federación Española de Centros Tecnológicos]).
- National Family Business Conference.
- Centennial Conference of the College of Engineers of ICAI.
Global pride of belonging
- Meetings with the CEO: Virtual meeting of the chief executive with the company’s directors.
- Meetings with the CEO: Virtual meeting of the chief executive with the company’s directors.
- 6th Global Meeting, the company’s main communications event.
- 3rd Values Awards, which recognize the employees and teams that best represent the company’s values.
- Visit by Ernesto Antolin, Chairman of Grupo Antolin, to several of the company’s plants.
- 13th anniversary of Grupo Antolin-Sibiu.
Good practices
Plug and Play, Grupo Antolin joins one of the largest global innovation communities.
Strategy
One of Grupo Antolin’s main objectives is to widen its open innovation ecosystem to make progress in technological solutions that cover the safety, comfort, entertainment and quality needs demanded of vehicle interiors today.
In 2021, the company took another step forward thanks to the partnership established with the platform Plug and Play, one of the largest startup communities in the world, with its headquarters in Silicon Valley and a division in Europe, Startup Autobahn. Thanks to this collaboration, disruptive thinking and the exchange of ideas, knowledge and technologies are being promoted to face the challenges and transformation of the automotive industry.
SDGs IMPACTED
MAIN STAKEHOLDERS INVOLVED
Antolin’s Technology at the Shanghai Auto Show
Business model
Strategic presence in the market with the greatest growth potential
As part of its strategic commitment to the Chinese automotive market –in which it has been present for 20 years–, Grupo Antolin participated in the Shanghai Auto Show for the first time in 2021. The company presented its disruptive technologies in three strategic areas: cockpits, electronics, and lighting & HMI (Human Machine Interface).
Specifically, it exhibited its smart cockpit, called INSPIRE, for the first time, which dazzled with its dynamic lighting to create different driving scenarios, backlit surfaces in unique materials, screen decoration module, stitched light guides, smart decorations, natural active surfaces, light projections and driver monitoring system.
SDGs IMPACTED
MAIN STAKEHOLDERS INVOLVED
Grupo Antolin, the industrial company with the best reputation in Spain
Leadership
The 2021 edition of the Merco Empresas ranking, the most prestigious corporate reputation monitor in Spain, placed Grupo Antolin among the 100 Spanish companies with the best reputation in the country; specifically, in 92nd place.
Moreover, within the ranking of the companies with the best reputation in the sector, the company achieved first place, becoming the industrial company most valued for its responsible management and its values.
Grupo Antolin has been a feature in Merco Empresas since 2014, when it entered the industrial sector ranking for the first time. For the company, this is a great recognition of its efforts to develop a sustainable business model that generates value for all its stakeholders through processes and products that are environmentally friendly and its commitment to innovation and technological development. All with the clear ambition of becoming a benchmark in the industry thanks to its responsible management and values.
SDGs IMPACTED
MAIN STAKEHOLDERS INVOLVED
New life for resources. Grupo Antolin manufactures the first vehicle overhead system from plastic waste and used tires
Environment
Grupo Antolin has developed the first car overhead system on the market produced through a hot forming process that includes materials made from urban waste, post-consumer plastic waste and tires at the end of their useful life.
This overhead system has the same appearance and the same properties as a standard headliner, meaning that the improvement in sustainability occurs without any reduction in the physical properties of the trim. In the first project with this technology developed for a Volvo model, 100% of the fabric, 70% of the core foam and 70% of the framework for the plastic sunroof were obtained from waste that cannot be recycled in any other way.
The objective of this initiative is to reduce waste and energy consumption during the manufacturing of the product and meet the demand for environmentally- friendly vehicle interiors. In this area, Grupo Antolin is working on a new project with recycled structural polyurethane foam, which is also manufactured with electricity from renewable sources.
SDGs IMPACTED
MAIN STAKEHOLDERS INVOLVED
#VacunandoAlMundo Children’s drawings that help other kids
Society
Grupo Antolin and UNICEF joined forces again in 2021. On this occasion, they did so in the #VacunandoAlMundo (#VaccinatingTheWorld) campaign, linking their traditional Children’s Christmas Card Drawing Competition to the COVAX project, which, in addition to UNICEF, also involves the WHO, the Global Alliance for Vaccines (GAVI) and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). The aim is to ensure that access to vaccination against COVID-19 is a reality for everyone, regardless of their financial resources.
Under the slogan Make a wish!, the children of Grupo Antolin’s employees participated in the 27th edition of this charity competition with their Christmas drawings related to the company’s activity and the automotive world. The winning works, that came from centers in Germany, Brazil, Spain, Hungary, India, Mexico and Romania, were turned into the company’s Christmas cards to celebrate the holidays.
Thanks to this initiative, Grupo Antolin donated two solar-powered refrigerators for health centers and 499 portable refrigerators to the COVAX project, for the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to rural communities.
SDGs IMPACTED
MAIN STAKEHOLDERS INVOLVED
ESG goals Included in the syndicated loan for the first time
Investors
Sustainability has become part of the new refinancing agreement signed by Grupo Antolin with its lending banks in 2021. This agreement modifies the syndicated loan that the company had signed and extends its maturity until March 2026. The refinancing includes a sustainability component through the incorporation of key performance indicators (KPIs) linked to environmental, social and corporate governance criteria.
In this way, Grupo Antolin reaffirms its strong commitment to the European Green Deal and shows the active role it wants to play in the transition of the automotive industry toward a low-carbon economy, in the fight against climate change and in supporting the social and economic development of the countries in which it operates.
SDGs IMPACTED
MAIN STAKEHOLDERS INVOLVED
THE LINK
Customers
the great digital showcase of Grupo Antolin
the great digital showcase of Grupo Antolin
Grupo Antolin has spent years making great efforts to digitize its value chain. THE LINK is the company’s response to a new way of understanding the relationship with its customers in which flexibility, convenience and an efficient use of time prevail.
THE LINK is presented as a digital version of the traditional Tech Days: live and from anywhere on the planet, manufacturers can learn about the latest new developments in the company’s product range and discover more about its most innovative solutions.
SDGs IMPACTED
MAIN STAKEHOLDERS INVOLVED
Fair transition: Training for the leadership of teams
People
As part of its commitment to employability and a fair transition, Grupo Antolin launched the UET Leader project. The program seeks to provide comprehensive training to the UET Leader (Unidad Elemental de Trabajo – Basic Work Unit), so that they can manage teams with excellence, through a training plan in technical skills and competencies. The UET Leader is a key position as they are responsible for leading the factory operators, therefore it is essential that they are given the knowledge necessary to understand their work in all its dimensions. The ultimate goal is to improve the development of the products in terms of time, quality and cost.
Offering a very dynamic and digital format, the training program focuses on the knowledge that a leader must have in terms of processes, technology and security, as well as training in management and leadership skills.
The project, developed as part of the Upskilling4future program by CSR Europe and JP Morgan, began with some plants in the United States and will be extended to the other centers in this region before being rolled out to other countries at a later stage.
SDGs IMPACTED
MAIN STAKEHOLDERS INVOLVED
Compliance and transparency: Grupo Antolin’s management of conflict minerals
Supply chain
In 2021, Volvo Cars, one of Grupo Antolin’s customers, in collaboration with Kumi Consulting, wanted to discover the degree of compliance and transparency of the company and its supply chain with regard to its management of conflict minerals through an audit based on the OECD’s ‘Conflict Minerals Guide’.
Customer satisfaction with Grupo Antolin’s information protocol regarding conflict minerals has not only increased Volvo Cars’ confidence, but also drives the company to keep working for the continuous identification, risk assessment and correct management of this matter in continuous collaboration with its suppliers. The result: one step further in consolidating a responsible and sustainable value chain.
SDGs IMPACTED
MAIN STAKEHOLDERS INVOLVED
