CARCOUSTICS specializes in developing and producing components for thermal insulation, acoustic insulation, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) insulation, and foam materials for interior and exterior components used in passenger and commercial vehicles.
Founded 75 years ago in Leverkusen, Germany, the company initially operated under the private ownership of the Heuburg family. It subsequently went through a period of private equity ownership and, in 2016, was acquired by a Chinese business group, marking the beginning of a new phase of international expansion.
The company ranks among the top three global players in its segment and operates as a Tier 1 supplier to major vehicle manufacturers worldwide. To discuss the operations of its plant in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, we conducted an exclusive interview with Jieran Li, Americas Regional Director.
“We consider ourselves leaders in our segment. We understand that the difference between competitors is not necessarily found in a single element, but rather in the combination of many factors. Our greatest strength is our people. We have a team with extensive experience and talent within the industry.”
GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY, LOCAL SOLUTIONS
“Technological capabilities are another key pillar of CARCOUSTICS’ strategy. The company currently operates four technology centers across different regions of the world: two in Europe—in Leverkusen, Germany, and Klaus, Austria—one in Shanghai, China, and the North American Technology Center, located in Howell, Michigan.
“This network enables us to share knowledge, information, and experience across regions, while allowing each market to develop specific solutions according to its individual needs.”
According to the company’s management, the combination of a global technology structure and an understanding of local requirements represents one of its key strengths in engineering and product development.
Its customers include major global OEMs, including American and German manufacturers, as well as several Japanese automakers.
During the interview, Nahún Pérez, Plant Manager in Guanajuato, discussed the growth of this facility since operations began.
“The history of this plant began in 2018. Since then, the operation has experienced growth in both its activities and installed capabilities. We started with three thermoforming machines, and today we have seven. We also went from having one PU line to operating four.”
Growth is also reflected in the number of employees. The plant began with fewer than 100 people and currently employs approximately 230 workers across three shifts, with 7.5-hour workdays, from 6:00 a.m. on Monday through 10:00 p.m. on Saturday.
For the company’s management, however, growth should not be measured only by installed capacity or headcount. The priority is to build a solid foundation that enables stable and sustainable progress.
Mr. Li explains:
“We are focused on building a stronger foundation for continued growth. We want that growth to be stable and sustainable because we believe this is essential for both the company and the people who are part of it.”
The transition toward electromobility represents one of the most significant changes currently facing the automotive industry. For CARCOUSTICS, however, this technological shift also creates new opportunities.
“The reason lies in our products. Thermal and acoustic insulation solutions continue to be necessary in both electric and internal combustion vehicles. The ultimate goal is to provide user comfort by controlling thermal and acoustic conditions inside the vehicle.”
This characteristic allows the company to maintain a flexible position as the market evolves. At the same time, CARCOUSTICS has expanded its product offering into the electric vehicle segment in recent years. Although this was not previously one of its primary business areas, the company has developed new programs and achieved positive results over the past three to four years.
MOVING FORWARD WITH INTELLIGENCE
Technological evolution is not limited to the product itself. It is also transforming manufacturing processes, and CARCOUSTICS currently maintains a strong focus on automation, supported by a gradual implementation strategy.
The company is introducing these capabilities plant by plant and phase by phase, avoiding aggressive investments that could ultimately result in underutilized equipment.
“We try to make intelligent decisions, ensure that our investments make sense, and use the resources available to us effectively.”
This approach seeks to balance productivity, efficiency, and resource utilization, supporting demand growth through investments that respond to actual operational needs.
DIGITALIZATION AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Digital transformation is also part of this evolution. Office employees currently have access to Microsoft Copilot, a tool used to consult and retrieve information related to the organization’s databases. The integration of artificial intelligence represents an initial step toward more advanced applications.
“We consider this to be just the first step. We are working on new applications and expect to make significant progress in this area over the coming years.”
In this way, digitalization is beginning to take shape not only as a technological tool, but also as a resource for facilitating access to information and supporting decision-making.
PEOPLE AT THE CENTER OF THE STRATEGY
Behind technology, automation, and new products lies an element that the company’s management considers indispensable: people development.
The philosophy is to place the right people in the right positions, particularly employees who are interested in growing alongside the organization and who have an open mindset toward learning and trying new ideas.
Even mistakes are considered part of this process. The company seeks to provide its employees with the resources and autonomy needed to experiment, recognizing that some attempts may not succeed, while also understanding that small mistakes can generate valuable learning.
“We seek to give them the opportunity to try, even knowing that they may make mistakes. I believe we can also learn from those small mistakes. In this way, we grow together, learn, and become better over time.”
The relationship between the company and its employees should be mutually beneficial: the organization provides opportunities, resources, and trust, while employees use that platform to develop professionally and contribute to the company’s improvement.
NEW GENERATIONS, NEW IDEAS
Ing. Pérez explains: “We seek to bring in young people who have the mindset of continuously improving things and contributing new ideas. That is why we have signed agreements with different universities in Guanajuato to identify talent and develop new projects.
“The company also has career development plans for its employees and recognizes the importance of succession planning in an industry that increasingly requires greater technical and leadership capabilities.”
GROWTH WITH A LONG-TERM VISION
Over the next three to five years, the company’s strategy calls for continued expansion of its product and solution offering for customers, while maintaining its reputation as a reliable, high-quality supplier.
Management has set a target of achieving double-digit growth.
TOWARDS A GREEN ENERGY OPERATION
The plant is currently working on incorporating solar energy and plans to begin using green energy in 2027.
Solar panels have already been installed on the roof of the facility, and the project is awaiting the necessary authorization before operations can begin.
For the company, this initiative represents an environmental responsibility effort and a response to customer expectations, as customers increasingly demand sustainable manufacturing solutions and processes.
QUALITY THAT TRANSLATES INTO RECOGNITION
The performance of the Mexican operation has also been recognized by some of the leading automotive manufacturers.
CARCOUSTICS received the EXCELLENCE AWARD for quality from General Motors in 2024 and 2025, and in 2026, it also received Ford Motor Company’s Q1 recognition.
For the team, these recognitions confirm consistent performance in fundamental operational areas, including quality, compliance, and on-time delivery.
Beyond the trophy or certificate, they represent recognition of the commitment of all employees to quality, growth, and the company’s philosophy, while maintaining a high level of performance.
The company’s vision combines growth with stability, innovation with investment discipline, and technology with human development.
