Mexican Government legislation has required the use of catalytic converters on all light duty vehicles from 1993 onwards. Clearly this will enable the platinum metals to make a further positive contribution to air quality, particularly in congested metropolitan areas.

Since that time domestic vehicle production in Mexico has grown to almost one million units annually. Despite recent economic diflSculties, the long-term future for the Mexican automobile industry remains bright.

In response to this situation, the Johnson Matthey Catalytic Systems Division opened its most recent autocatalyst plant in Queretaro, Mexico, and production commenced in January 1995. The facility is situated in the beautiful “Bajio” region of central Mexico, approximately 120 miles northwest of Mexico City. Located in the Bernardo Quintana Industrial Park, the 3,500 square metres facility is situated among a variety of other automobile component suppliers, notably TRW, Rockwell, American Racing and Ford Climate Systems.

The new Johnson Matthey plant has a capacity of 1.5 million units per year, with approximately 50 per cent of the initial output being scheduled for filling to vehicles intended for export to the United States of America.

The facility incorporates state-of-the-art flexible manufacturing technology and an advanced distribution process control system is used in the application of wash-coat and noble metal materials. The manufacturing capability incorporates some of the most recent technological advances, and provides room for output expansion.

The official plant inauguration will take place on April 28th, 1995, when the Chairman of Johnson Matthey, David Davies, will be host to the Governor of the State of Queretaro and the British Ambassador to Mexico, together with honoured guests from seven major vehicle producers.