Long-term partnership agreement will ultimately affect 12,000 users in 130 locations. Continental says Windchill capabilities in multi-CAD integration, eCAD data management, engineering change were keys to selection.
Diversified manufacturer Continental has selected Windchill, PTC’s PLM solution, as its global standard for product development in its Automotive Group.
Continental will replace its existing PLM system and standardize its three automotive divisions—Chassis & Safety, Powertrain and Interior—on PTC’s Windchill platform. The integral, web-based Windchill solution will be used as the worldwide PLM backbone for engineering change, multi-CAD data management, ECAD data management as well as for third-party integration, thus enabling seamless process integration and global collaboration. Windchill is ultimately expected to support more than 12,000 users in both engineering and non-engineering departments, in more than 130 locations worldwide.
“PLM is a key component of our IT Strategy, which aims at standardizing and harmonizing the IT landscape at Continental Automotive,” said Ralf Brunken, CIO at Continental Automotive Group. “As a result of our assessment among several PLM vendors, we selected PTC’s Windchill for its strong technological performance and for the company’s value-oriented approach which both are critical when engaging in such a strategic and long-term partnership.”
With sales of approximately €20 billion in 2009 ($26 billion) Continental is one of the world’s top automotive suppliers. Its products include brake systems, powertrains and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, and tires and technical elastomers. Continental currently employs approximately 138,000 in 46 countries.
“In today’s global economy, a PLM solution is mission critical for a company in the automotive industry,” said Wolfgang Schaefer, CFO at Continental Corporation. “We expect PTC’s Windchill solution to improve our engineering processes and product quality.”
James E. Heppelmann, CEO-elect and president at PTC commented, “Shrinking margins, globalization, and increasing regulatory requirements have put strong pressure on the highly competitive automotive industry. In such an environment, companies have an intense need to optimize their business processes. We are thrilled that Continental has chosen Windchill to support this critical business initiative. In addition to providing world-class technology, our global service organization will support Continental in defining world-class engineering processes and introducing Windchill to the extended enterprise. We look forward to expanding our long-standing partnership with Continental.”
More information: www.ptc.com or www.continental-automotive.com.
