Lynn Elvinger is Membre de la Direction, Member of the Executive Committee of CEBI International. She discusses the risks and opportunities arising from the rapidly unfolding electric vehicle revolution. She explains how CEBI is globally equipped to meet the localization, cost optimization, and digitalization requirements of its clients.
Can you describe your company in a few words?
CEBI was founded in Luxembourg in 1976. Our first product was bimetallic thermostats or temperature switches for the household appliances market. The firm developed to design of electromechanical components for the automotive and ventilation markets. We are world leaders in actuators and car washing systems, including pumps. CEBI is a European leader in temperature sensors and closing systems. Worldwide the CEBI Group employs 3,500 people at 11 production sites in Brazil, China, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, Poland, Spain, and Switzerland. In addition, we have six sales offices in the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, UK, USA. Cebi’s seven research and development centers employ 260 experts who, among other things, develop our automatic assembly lines.
What risks and opportunities do you identify for your company?
We are in the midst of a rapidly unfolding automotive revolution. This presents both risks and exciting opportunities for CEBI. The transformational shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) over the next decade presents significant risks. It will demand swift adaptation to remain relevant in an expanding market that will see significantly increased competition. Chinese production in particular poses a serious threat to our European customers. But this rapidly evolving automotive landscape also creates opportunities. CEBI’s existing and developing expertise, especially in heat pumping and sensor technology, positions us perfectly to capitalize on the rise of new EV players. We will be able to take advantage of increased collaboration with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
“We are in the midst of a rapidly unfolding automotive revolution”
How are the needs of your clients evolving, and how do you adapt to them?
Our clients are OEMs and suppliers to the automotive industry who focus on localization, cost optimization, and digitalization. Localized production and sourcing are crucial as our clients require vehicles tailored to specific markets. As CEBI is present all over the world, with production centers in South America, Eastern Europe, and China, we can tailor to this demand. CEBI accommodates cost optimization, adjusting both direct and indirect costs by establishing production centers in low-cost countries. We also forge strategic partnerships within the sector. The company invests in enhancing supply chain efficiency and integrating lean manufacturing principles without compromising product quality or innovation. CEBI invests and develops in-house expertise in digitalization technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics that enhance manufacturing, enabling predictive maintenance, real-time monitoring, and agile production methods.
