IAV Automotive Engineering Continues Significant Growth, Triples Workforce

NORTHVILLE -- As the economic future of the U.S. and Michigan remains uncertain, Northville-based IAV Automotive Engineering Inc. has shown continued strong revenue and employee growth since opening its new headquarters in Northville in 2009. The company has increased sales by more than 50 percent every year since 2009, with revenue doubling from 2010 to 2011 and tripling the 2010 figure in 2012.
 
As revenue continued to improve and services expanded, the need for engineering and administrative talent also grew exponentially with the number of IAV associates more than doubling in the past year, from 74 in 2011 to 160 employees today. It's expected that in 2013, IAV will have quadrupled its revenue from the 2010 baseline figure and will add an additional 40 associates.
 
"We're committed to growing and hiring here in Michigan, and supporting the transportation industry across North America from right here in metro Detroit," said Andy Ridgway, who became president of IAV Automotive Engineering in 2011. "We're working to not only provide quality services to our customers, but also to make an impact in the region and the industry. We've established relationships with several new companies since opening our new headquarters, and development of IAV, in all areas, is a still a main focus for the coming years. Our unique culture and passionate team have been the catalysts for our growth."
 
Several recent additions to the management team and in key functions will further solidify the company's focus on future. Five associates were recently brought on in positions central to achieving the business development goals, helping IAV continue their upward revenue and personnel growth:
 
Rob Till is the director of operations. He manages all operating expenses, revenue, cash flow and investments. Till was recently brought on to work specifically on building structure and services, facility and surrounding estate, dynamometer test cell operations and instrumentation function, planning and execution of any future expansion efforts. He came to IAV with more than twelve years of experience in engineering and operations among other duties. 
 
Chi Binh La, business unit director for gasoline and alternative fuels, is responsible for profitable growth, expansion of technical offerings and personnel development. Binh La works to enhance the company profile in order to provide the best value and services to its customer base. He has worked in the automotive industry since 1996.
 
John Cooper is the business development director of vehicle systems. He oversees growth in the vehicle systems area and focuses on developing relationships for the company, specifically in France and Asia. Cooper is integral to the continued development of his business unit and the company as a whole. He has held various positions in the automotive industry for more than 27 years.
 
Connor Bacon, general counsel for IAV, provides contract and legal support for all aspects of the business. He is responsible for coordinating both internal and external legal advice, reviewing and negotiating all legal documents and supporting all business efforts, including business development. Bacon has been working in the legal field for seven years.
 
Whitney Liftig is the marketing specialist at IAV. She works to implement all IAV marketing initiatives, including customizing marketing efforts for business unit directors and business development teams, promoting brand awareness, managing all communications efforts and developing and executing events. Liftig serves as IAV's liaison to consumers and the community, helping to raise awareness of the company. She has been working in the marketing industry since 2008.
 
IAV Group is a German engineering and technical consultancy servicing the global automotive industry with more than 5,000 employees worldwide. As a recognized leader in the specification, design, development, validation and production launch of advanced vehicle and powertrain systems, IAV Automotive Engineering deploys a leading team of technical experts, engineering tools and program processes from its North American Headquarters in Northville.