The new company will be closer to its customers, company executives will be closer to business activities and everything the company does will be marked by professionalism. Business activities are now concentrated to Northern Europe and will be considerably smaller than before. Plastal currently has production facilities in Sweden (Göteborg and Simrishamn), Belgium (Ghent) and Norway (Raufoss). Company management is based in Göteborg and the company currently boasts 750 employees - and this number is rising. A single office building in Arendal, Göteborg serves as company headquarters.  The old Plastal had 25 factories located throughout Europe.

Plastal manufactures plastic components for the Swedish automotive industry. From a humble start as minor parts and details, automotive plastic components is now a growing sector. Modern bumper sections are made from plastic and now comprise much more than just an outer barrier. The entire front section of cars, including bumpers and spoilers, now serve as structural elements for lighting, sensors and headlight cleaning systems. The bumper itself is an integral part of the vehicle´s crumple zone and is an advanced product that has to be able to handle minor impacts without visible damage. Plastal manufactures car fronts in plastic, paints and mounts components and then delivers their products to auto plant assembly lines.

Wendel is optimistic for the future. Plastic has three big advantages in vehicles. It is lighter in weight than steel, easily recyclable and gives increased freedom in design - three qualities that are valued highly by today´s automakers. These qualities make automotive manufacturers eager to increase the number of plastic components in their vehicles. Hoods, fenders, “skirts", etc. make excellent options for plastic - they save weight and provide exciting design possibilities. Even trucks are getting more plastic in their bodies. Fronts, wind deflectors and big “cover plates" for cars and trailers are often made out of plastic, not least in order to save weight for payloads.
Competition in the industry is fierce, but Plastal´s President is optimistic. Company growth will be organic, several acquisitions have been planned, and they are aiming for a strong presence on the exploding market in China. Handelsbanken´s AB Handel och Industri is a stable and reliable owner, with a long-term approach to investment. - “Of course the bank will eventually sell its share holding, though even that can provide new opportunities. But for now, the current organization is working out great," says Wendel.

The margins for the suppliers are small, so Plastal has to maintain a high level of commercial alertness and a steady management of capital flow. They are quick out with developments for big customers like Volvo CC and Scania. Expertise and proximity to the customer offer excellent competitive advantages.
The future for suppliers in Sweden looks bright and Per-Ewe Wendel sees great potential. A globally strong Swedish truck and bus production sector and a domestic passenger car industry that is now enjoying an enthusiastic and confident renaissance provides an opening for Swedish suppliers. Geely´s entry into Volvo and Saab´s contacts with BAIC can give Swedish suppliers great chances in China. - “We have to take these chances," says Wendel. Electric vehicles will also doubtlessly make headway as city and commuter cars. Electric vehicles are very weight-sensitive. The less they weigh, the smaller battery capacity they need, and this is something that is increasing automakers´ interest in incorporating more plastic into vehicle bodies.

Wendel exudes optimism and enormous confidence in the future. He sees qualifications like proximity to the manufacturers and a strong executive presence in their own business activities as license to take all the opportunities that present themselves. Sweden has considerable and valuable automotive expertise. - “It´s amazing that such a small country could produce such a large automotive industry," says Wendel. “But now we have it, and we have to safeguard it. At the same time that we place hard demands on ourselves, we have to also allow ourselves to be proud of our automotive industry. It must remain an attractive sector to our young people, so that Sweden will always be at the forefront of future developments in trucks, buses and cars."