Inalfa - Blue Sky Thinking

When Dutch company, Inalfa Roof Systems, added Rover to its growing list of UK customers, it knew it needed a presence on the ground in Britain. The West Midlands stood out as the obvious choice.

"We needed to be at the heart of UK car manufacturing," says Managing Director, Ashley Crump. "The West Midlands is home to virtually all of the major manufacturers and benefits from a pool of skilled workers."

Inalfa chose a five acre greenfield site on the outskirts of Tamworth. With customers demanding Just In Time deliveries, its location close to the M42, M40, M6 and M1 is an important benefit. So, too, is the proximity of Birmingham International Airport, as Ashley explains:

"Inalfa has a system of councils, whereby employees from across Europe get together to identify improvements and share best practice. It necessitates a great deal of pan-European travel so the fact that we are just 20 minutes from the airport is a great advantage."

The company is number two in the world, specialising in the design and manufacture of sunroofs, fabric roofs and complete roof systems. Its innovative design for the Citroen Pluriel captured the attention of car manufacturers globally. Inalfa pioneered a new type of electronic folding roof system that would transform the Pluriel from a sedan vehicle into a convertible. It took three years from concept to production and involved developing a unique mechanism designed to handle the extreme forces created by the roof's size, its curvature and the dividing frame. Other manufacturers using Inalfa's leading edge roof technology include Land Rover, Renault, MG Rover, Ford, Peugeot, Daimler Chrysler and Volvo.

"Many manufacturers are involving us much earlier in the production process," says Ashley. "Rather than simply fitting a sunroof, many of them now want the roof to work as part of the overall design of the car. It is all to do with the amount of daylight entering the car. A sophisticated roof system enhances the sense of space in the vehicle and improves the driving experience. Our level of expertise in this area is unparalleled."

Inalfa UK has grown rapidly since its launch in the mid 90s. It has now been chosen by the parent company as the major supplier to the French market: "Logistically, it is easier to ship to France from the West Midlands rather than Holland, since the opening of the Channel Tunnel," explains Ashley.

Car manufacturers are developing increasingly sophisticated vehicles to distinguish themselves in a competitive marketplace and viewed through an Inalfa roof, the sky's the limit.

Interview given by Ashley Crump, Managing Director.

For more information about Inalfa visit www.inalfa.co.uk