Inalfa is a growing Tier-I supplier of sunroof systems.

Among the many lessons Inalfa Roof Systems has learned in its more than 60 years in business, perhaps the most important is to really listen to customers and suppliers.

With this basic value, the company has survived the ups and downs of the automotive industry and become a competitive Tier I supplier of sunroof
systems.

The company was founded in 1946 in Europe as a metal company. It began producing car roof systems in 1974 with customers such as Jaguar and Rover, and later, SAAB, Fiat, Chrysler, GM and Volvo.

In 1994, Inalfa developed a roof system that could be used by the commercial truck producers. This innovation established its place in the truck market. That same year, Vice President of North American Operations Glen Clark joined the company.

Today, the company is a Tier I automotive supplier of sunroof systems for OEMs, specializing in panorama, Tilt Vent Slide, spoiler and multi-functional roofs.

On-Site Support
Clark says the company’s ability to listen to customers and suppliers, and offer top-notch design and support services set it apart from competitors. “When we’re designing a product, we spend a lot of time with our customers and suppliers in the development process,” he says. “Six months prior to launch, we provide technical in-plant support to  the customer to help quickly resolve  production issues.

“Following the launch process, we will put liaisons on site full- or part-time, depending on the maturity of the plant and how much assistance the customer requires. This on-site support is not often seen by our competitors.”

Clark says Inalfa’s suppliers appreciate the company’s multiple reviews and advanced planning process, which brings them on board early in a product’s development. “We use our own hybrid PPAP process for qualifying supplier readiness and incoming product capability in meeting our customer requirements,” he explains.

The company technical center constantly works on new designs or variations on current designs, he says. As fuel costs pressure the market place, the company works to develop products, manufacturing processes and delivery solutions that  meet this challenge.    

“We continue to bring those to market as quickly as possible,” Clark says. “We try to stay one step ahead of our customer expectations.”

OEMs are demanding shorter development time and have higher expectations than ever, he adds. “There is pressure on Tier I suppliers to meet these qualifications and bring in competitive product,” he says. We focus on a number of things to do this – we use our global footprint, help manage our materials and focus on designs that reduce our material costs.”

For example, Inalfa is consolidating domestic and international freight carriers to reduce prices, as well as reducing inventory. “We also  encourage our sub-tier supply base to bring in low-cost ideas and designs and/or processes,” Clark says. It takes a partnership between our customers and suppliers to get cost competitive.”

Increasing its Footprint
Inalfa employs a work force of 600 in North America, with locations in Grand Blanc, Auburn Hills and Warren, Mich. The parent company is located in the Netherlands. Globally, the company has plants in Europe and Asia.

Clark says the company is focused on increasing its global footprint, not only on the manufacturing side, but in design, as well.

“Our customers expect that, and we follow them around the globe,” he says. “We need to produce product competitively and at a low cost for them. I see further expansion globally for Inalfa.

“Freight and labor costs play a role in how well we can compete, so we constantly search low-cost solutions,” he adds.

“We are setting up a manufacturing strategy in a way that strengthens our financial footing. In the end, we have to provide customers with the best possible services and products at a price they can expect. We cannot do that by staying in any one global region.