Our History

1984

Multimatic Mfg. established at 85 Valleywood Drive as a division of Magna International. Responded to first RFQ; rear door hinges for 1983 -1986 Ford LTD. In 14 weeks, manufactured sample parts for Chrysler D-body pickup and B-body van.

1985

Multimatic formally incorporated. Awarded first Ford Motor Company contract for Ford LTD door hinges. Delivered first production parts; profile upper and stamped lower hinges for Chrysler D-body pickup and B-body van.

1986

Inmet facility built and division established to accommodate business growth. Earned first contract with Honda, producing door hinges and build-to-print door checks with stamped, lanced arms.

1987

Multimatic Head Office established at Inmet facility. Shipped first GM production components; hinges for 1988 C/K truck. Inmet secured Tier 2 seating business from Magna Integram to manufacture seat risers for the 1990 Chrysler minivan. Produced mechatronic pop-up headlights for the 1987-1991 Dodge Daytona.

1988

Multimatic Technical Centre (MTC) set up as corporate engineering facility. Incubated within Inmet, MTC was established to provide a full range of engineering services to operating divisions as well as outside customers. Corporate Head Office moved from Inmet to Renfrew Drive. Produced interior fuel filler release mechanisms for Honda and Ford (Taurus). MTC participated in design competition to develop new universal jack for Chrysler. First black box program awarded; torque rod trunk lid hinges, interior fuel-filler release mechanism, door hinges and checks for GM’s new Saturn S series cars. Encapsulated ball and groove door check conceived as solution to problems with existing stamped checks.

1989

Multimatic Technical Centre formally established as a division of Multimatic. Inmet expanded seating business with production of seat risers for futuristic GM APV minivans. New AIDA 600-ton press purchased with turn-key tooling. 2,000 sample seat risers produced in Japan and submitted to Chrysler before press installation, commissioning and start of production at Inmet.

1990

Man in the Gear logo developed, along with motto “Strength Through Technology”. MTC moved out of Inmet into its own facility on Ringwell Drive in Newmarket. Invented and started development of the Infinite Door Check.

1991

Detroit sales office established in Livonia, Michigan in facility shared with Magna. First plastic-encapsulated ball and groove checks delivered for Saturn SL-1 and SC-1.The Dodge Neon (PL) hinge and door check program was the first black box program with Chrysler. It used the encapsulated door check. Multimatic became an engineering source for Ford Advanced Vehicle Technologies (AVT).

1992

Multimatic Motorsports formed as MTC’s competition arm, first racing Taurus SHOs. Developed and produced detachable cargo door checks for Ford Econoline, a job that stayed in production for over 20 years. Developed the entire door system for Ford’s Aluminum Intensive Vehicle (AIV). Unique four-bar-link seat adjuster invented. Received the most significant patent in the company’s history for the plastic-encapsulated ball and groove door check.

1993

Multimatic Sales and Marketing Inc. (MSM) incorporated as a subsidiary of Multimatic Inc. MSM moved into a separate facility in Livonia, Michigan. MTC engineered and prototyped a mechatronic four-side flush-glass door system for Ford.

1994

New Multimatic Mfg. facility built to accommodate expanding business. Multimatic recognized by Automotive News as one of the Top 150 Automotive Suppliers in North America. Multimatic established AQP departments in its manufacturing facilities. Inmet selected by Ford as one of three long-term suppliers of instrumental panel (IP) structures. Developed industry-first power liftgate concept and built prototype on a Ford Aerostar.

1995

Kaizen, a Japanese business philosophy of continuous improvement, was adopted by Multimatic. Multimatic’s Head Office, MTC and Multimatic Motorsports were consolidated into the newly renovated 85 Valleywood Drive building vacated by Multimatic Mfg. For the first time, simultaneously launched two significant programs: Ford Taurus/Sable and Ford F-150 side door hinge systems incorporating new plastic-encapsulated ball and groove door check. Multimatic received patents for the infinite door check, structural door module and four-bar-link seat adjuster.

1996

Multimatic Ltd. incorporated in the UK as a wholly owned subsidiary of Multimatic Inc. Acquired UK-based engineering and advanced hydraulic damper systems company, Dynamic Suspensions. Multimatic officially recognized as one of the first certified Full Service Suppliers (FSS) to Ford. Developed Ford’s first independent rear suspension for an SUV (Tremor concept vehicle for 1997 NAIAS). It served as the predecessor to the 2002 Explorer rear suspension. Engineered a unique tensioner for QuikBlade® replaceable ice skate blade system. Additionally, developed a novel technology for high-volume moulding of CFRP components. Commenced body structure engineering for PNGV (Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicle) program; established expertise in the design and analysis of composite primary body structures.

1997

Corporate structure organized into four operating groups: Hinge Systems, Stamped & Welded Assemblies, Suspension Systems and Engineering Services. Anton Mfg. facility built to accommodate expanding Hinge Systems Group activity. Anton Plant II (Anton Jr.) built to accommodate machining and welding processes required prior to mechanisms assembly at Anton. 65 Valleywood Drive acquired to accommodate expansion of MTC. Dynamic Suspensions moved into facility in Thetford, UK. Commenced production of body structural components with supply of F-250, -350, -450 instrument panel beams. Became Ford’s first FSS for IP beams. Retained by Shelby North America to provide chassis design and development, plus dampers, for the Shelby Series One.

1998

EU-Matic plant built to produce hinges and checks for the European market. Acquired property adjoining Inmet plant and constructed expansion to accommodate increasing instrument panel business. Established sales offices in Alzeneau, Germany and Tokyo, Japan. MTC received first production development contract for twist beams in GM Delta C-Car: Cobalt, Saturn ION and Chevrolet HHR. Installed internally developed multi-post rig test facility at Dynamic Suspensions for European OEM and motorsports vehicle dynamics development. Engineered and supplied aluminum suspension, mechanisms and carbon fibre cross-car beam for Ford’s P2000 fuel cell-powered next millenium vehicle research program.

1999

Multimatic awarded all Saab hinge and check production until 2009. Introduced several innovative technologies on Ford’s V184/5 Transit; pushbutton-release cargo door check, 270-degree hinge, double cab inswing door hinge, wide open sliding door kinematics. Carl Haas Automobile Imports Inc. became exclusive N.A. distributor of Dynamic Suspension racing dampers and dynamometers. MTC established a technical relationship with Lola for aerodynamics and composites work. Engineered and supplied adjustable ride height suspension, carbon fibre hood and decklid for the Ford Prodigy low emission, 72 mpg-US (3.3 L/100 km) diesel-hybrid concept car.

2000

Performed complete vehicle platform engineering and built the first rolling chassis for Ford’s Petunia program, precursor to the 2005 Ford GT. Awarded first Mercedes-Benz program for encapsulated door checks on the SL Roadster. Awarded first production control arm business for the Saturn VUE rear lower control arms. Commenced shipment of Honda production parts from EU-Matic, servicing European markets. Multimatic Motorsports became the first and only Canadian motorsports organization to win at the 24 Hours of LeMans.

2001

Inmet expanded to accommodate AIDA synchronized tandem transfer presses. LX large car program at DaimlerChrysler the first to order Multimatic NeedleCheck™ system. MTC installed a 10m x 3m autoclave to expand composites business. Multimatic TailgateAssist™ system invented and sold to Nissan, Toyota. Performed complete vehicle and platform engineering for Aston Martin AM305R. Engineered and built aluminum SLA front suspension for the FR500 Mustang.

2002

Bentley State limousine, complete with door checks designed and supplied by Multimatic, presented to The Queen at Windsor Castle. Dynamic Suspensions was renamed Multimatic Technical Centre Europe (MTCE) and formally recognized as European engineering facility. Established license agreement with Tier 1 supplier Diver Consolidated Industries (DCI); MTC provided engineering services to DCI, which manufactured hinge systems for the Australian market. Launched Focus integrated joint hinges, Multimatic’s first world program with Ford. Working with Tier 1 supplier AutoLiv, began development of a pedestrian protection hood hinge system for Volvo. Multimatic DSSV™ damping technology and services embraced by Formula One teams.

2003

Launched production of all side door hinges and checks on Ford F-150. Introduced Multimatic’s Ultra Lightweight IP beam (ULIP) on the Ford Windstar, saving 10 lbs. Multimatic’s 180˚ Hinge and TailgateAssist™ systems were unveiled at 2003 Detroit Auto Show on the Nissan Titan. Provided engineering and supply of carbon fibre decklid and fuel cell enclosure for Ford Focus fuel cell vehicle. MTCE revised the iconic Caterham Seven with updated chassis structure and suspension. Multimatic Motorsports won the inaugural race of the Daytona Prototype class in the 41st running of the Rolex 24 Hours At Daytona. Supported vehicle dynamics development of the 2005 Ford GT as part of a damper supply program.

2004

Multimatic recognized as one of the Top 100 Automotive Suppliers in North America by Automotive News. Inmet nearly doubled its plant floor area to accommodate multiple new IP beam programs and additional suspension components business. Launched award winning I-beam FLCA on Ford Mustang. Ford F-Series truck hinges featured in national advertising campaign “Quality Hinges on the Details”. Multimatic launched first program with Toyota N.A. for the TailgateAssist™ system. MTC installed a multi-post rig that mirrored the capabilities offered at MTCE. Ford Racing Technology (FRT) chose Multimatic to engineer, develop and build the Mustang-based FR500C race car.

2005

Relationship with Linde+Wiemann formalized with focus on global GM programs. Multimatic Dynamic Suspension facility constructed. Multimatic acquired facility next to Inmet factory and set up Inmet Decanting Centre. Multimatic began production of IP beams and door hinges for GM pick-ups and SUVs. Engineered and produced dampers for the 2005 Ford GT. Engineered required modifications to 2005 Ford GT for Canadian certification. Received PACE Award for Product Innovation from Automotive News for Mustang I-beam FLCA.

2006

Multimatic Marketing & Service Center GmbH moved to from Alzenau to Köln, Germany. Engineered and launched a lightweight steel FLCA (replaced aluminum) for Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis. Engineered and launched a lightweight steel FLCA (replaced aluminum) for Ford F-150. MTC started to design and build production tooling. MTC worked with the Automotive Composite Consortium (ACC) on a structural composite underbody project. Launched Multimatic’s first Chrysler IP beam for the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Commander. Started developing and manufacturing composite communications equipment for US military use. MTCE added two new F1 customers including Red Bull Racing. Also installed new horizontal CNC mill to facilitate in-house production of DSSV™ dampers. The Multimatic BridgelessHinge™ was developed for use on side doors, lift-gates and swing-gates.

2007

Engineered and produced segment-first integrated Multimatic StepGate™ on Ford F-250, -350 and -450 Super Duty pickups. Multimatic Japan moved to a new sales office in Tokyo. Needle check line originally used by Multimatic Mfg. was moved to EU-Matic to produce needle checks for Opel’s Meriva. Co-developed pedestrian protection hood hinge for Jaguar XF. Developed Delta II door check, Multimatic’s first global door hardware program for GM. MTC engineered and built key systems for the RUF CTR3 supercar, including suspension and carbon fibre bodywork. MTC engineered and built a custom ‘32 Ford that featured patented In-Wheel Suspension technology.

2008

Number of operating groups reduced to three by merging Stamped & Welded Assemblies and Suspension Groups; creating Multimatic Structures & Suspension. Multimatic Inmetmatic plant constructed in Queretaro, Mexico. MTC engaged by Aston Martin to lead in developing the One-77 supercar. Due to success on Super Duty vehicles, Multimatic StepGate™ made available on high volume Ford F-150 pickups. EU-Matic won major contract to produce side door hinges plus hood hinges for the Ford Fiesta world car.

2009

During tough economic times, Multimatic seamlessly transitioned over 75 part numbers from 3 different distressed suppliers in mechanisms, structures and suspension products. Multimatic acquired assets and production contracts of a roll-forming supplier in Butler, Indiana. The facility was renamed Multimatic Indiana. Co-developed and launched segment-first Multimatic BoxStep™ on Ford F-150. Multimatic became the largest outside structural content supplier for the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro. Performed analytical crash development and structural engineering for certification of Azure Ford Transit Connect BEV. Ford retained Multimatic Motorsports to design, engineer and build the Mustang Boss 302R.

2010

Finalized joint venture (60% Multimatic owned) with Chinese manufacturer to supply hinge systems and checks to OEMs in the Chinese market. Multimatic Inmetmatic expanded by adding a press bay. Commenced production supply of carbon fibre chassis and suspension systems for the Aston Martin One-77. Co-developed and launched Ford Fiesta passive pedestrian protection hood hinge. Introduced second-generation I-Beam FLCA on Ford Mustang. Contracted to engineer and manufacture a production prototype supercar called the de Macross GT1.

2011

Multimatic ranked 81st out of the Top 100 Automotive Suppliers in North America by Automotive News. Designed and launched replacement rear upper control arm for Ford Edge/MKX. Produced Man-Pack portable satellite dish for the US military using match metal tooling technology. MTC unveiled the Driver-in-the-Loop simulator at Vehicle Dynamics Expo in Stuttgart, Germany. Recognized as “Development Tool of the Year”. Multimatic retained by Ford to develop the front-wheel drive Focus ST-R race car.

2012

Multimatic Automotive Mechanisms Kunshan (MAMK) established. Purchased a controlling interest in Carbon Fibre Technologies Ltd. of Wymondham, Norfolk, UK. Name changed to Multimatic CFT. Cooperation established with Woodbridge Foam to engineer and supply head restraint mechanisms. Opened facility in Coventry called Multimatic Niche Vehicles; started assembly and delivery of Aston Martin Zagato body shells. After 21 years in Livonia, MSM relocated to new facility in Southfield. Established satellite MTCE engineering office in Huntingdon UK, staffed with ex-Lola engineers. Delivered last One-77 chassis to Aston Martin. Installed configurable ball joint production line at Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions. Multimatic High Value Door Check invented and developed. Commenced racing Aston Martin Vantage V8s in North America, a change from previous Mustangs.

2013

Established MAMK branch facility in Chongqing. Business partnership between MTCE, Lola Group Holdings and Carl Haas Auto Imports to continue the Lola name in motorsports. DSSV™ dampers became standard equipment on highly acclaimed, track-focused Camaro Z/28. Multimatic Indiana expanded for production of GM full-size pickup IP structure plus rocker reinforcement, and Cadillac ATS/CTS structural components. In-house ball joint production and expertise enhanced appeal of Multimatic control arms and suspension products. Updated integrated Multimatic StepGate™ module and Multimatic BoxStep™ to increase installation flexability. MTC commenced co-development project to engineer and optimize a lightweight CFRP panel and develop low-cost, high-volume manufacturing process.

2014

Constructed facility in Kunshan, China; home for MAMK-derived new company, Multimatic Automotive Technologies Kunshan (MATK). Established Multimatic Engineering Prague. Dominated the truck control arm business; delivering for Ford F-series and GM mid-size plus future GM full-size. Multimatic Niche Vehicles produced ten unique Aston Martin DB10s for the James Bond film “SPECTRE”. Multimatic Inmet expanded production of aluminum bumpers. Started production of needle checks for Daimler’s Smart Car. Ford launched gen 2 Multimatic StepGate™ and narrow BoxStep™ on their volume-leading F-150 pickups. Developed Selective Pre-Preg (SPP)™ volume composites production technology and established R&D factory next to Multimatic CFT. Awarded largest niche vehicle program in Multimatic history, to produce the 2017 Ford GT. Developed Multimatic power closure technology for tailgates and side doors.

2015

Multimatic head office centralized in new 8688 Woodbine Avenue facility. Added expansion to Multimatic Mfg. Multimatic Tennessee facility created to support GM programs. Multimatic Engineering Australia set up to handle Asia/Pacific engineering requirements. Created Niche Volume Assembly production facility in the UK. Second large autoclave installed at MTC. Ford GT show car was centre of attention at NAIAS reveal, with follow- up appearances around the globe. 2016 Le Mans campaign announced. Fleet of MTCE-engineered and -built hybrid taxis tested in London. Mode Switchable DSSV™ dampers under development. Acknowledged by AML as specialist body engineering and manufacturing partner for Vulcan, Vantage GT12 and Taraf. Launched Multimatic PowerDoor™ (industry first) and active aerodynamics on Tesla Model X.

2016

Multimatic Ride Dynamics established to assemble DSSV™ dampers for volume-production applications. Multimatic Niche Vehicles NA production facility configured to manufacture Ford GT. December 16th “Job 1” ceremony celebrated completion of first production-level vehicle. Multimatic Michigan established to produce IP beams and structural components for the Buick Enclave and Chevy Traverse. Multimatic-built Ford GT wins at Le Mans on 50th anniversary of Ford’s historic 1-2-3 finish. Multimatic-Riley partnership built 2017-spec chassis for FIA WEC LMP2 and IMSA DPi endurance-racing. 2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 off-road pickup unveiled featuring Multimatic Position Sensitive DSSV™ dampers. Multimatic Motorsports Europe established to campaign a pair of Ford GTs in World Endurance Championship.

2017

Established Multimatic Indiana – New Haven, to produce ACCRA® hot blow-formed structural components for Jeep (FCA). Chevrolet selects Multimatic DSSV™ dampers for track-focused Camaro ZL1 1LE. Multimatic engineered and produced bodywork for Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato specialty vehicles. The Multimatic-built Ford GT road car named “Track Car of the Year” by BBC’s Top Gear magazine. Multimatic Anton delivers 2nd-row flip/fold headrest mechanisms for Lincoln 5-passenger crossover. Multimatic Motorsports debuts its Mustang GT4 at Daytona and commences direct customer sales. Multimatic awarded control arm contract for next generation GM full-size pickups and SUVs. Multimatic Motorsports USA provides race support and spares for Mercedes-AMG GT4 customer teams. GM honours Multimatic for DSSV™ dampers’ contribution to the Colorado ZR2 program.

2018

Raj Nair joins Multimatic as President and COO. Multimatic IT moves from MTC into building next door. One-millionth Honda Civic aluminum front bumper beam produced by Multimatic Inmet. GM reveals novel MultiPro tailgate with Anton-produced step and grab handle for the 2019 GMC Sierra pickup. Updated Jeep Wrangler launched with ACCRA® hot blow-formed Sport Bar. Multimatic HighValueCheck™ launched on Hyundai Santa Fe, Palisade and Kia Telluride by Korean partner. BMW standardizes on Multimatic PedPro™ hood hinges across SUV and Mini lineup. Range Rover SVAuto-biography ships with Multimatic PowerDoor™ (power close rear doors). Multimatic DSSV™ damper-equipped Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 named Pickup Truck of the Year by FOUR WHEELER magazine. Using Multimatic DSSV™ dampers, Porsche’s 919 Hybrid Evo beats outright Nürburgring Nordschleife’s lap record by 52 seconds.

2019

Multimatic Niche Vehicles group established. Multimatic Niche Vehicle Assembly Europe facility established to build exclusive supercar. Multimatic Indiana – New Haven nearly doubles in size due to growing ACCRA® structures business. Multimatic Poland established with initial business from BMW. Multimatic Motorsports Europe moves into new, expanded facility in Brackley. Multimatic-developed track-only Ford GT Mk II (shown at top) revealed at Goodwood, commencing production of 45-unit run. Mazda DPi racing program achieves multiple-win success with Multimatic-refined RT24-P. Jeep Gladiator extends use of ACCRA® Sport Bar. Also features Multimatic TailgateAssist™, headrest mechanisms and underbody structure. Ferrari SF90 Stradale, features Multimatic DSSV™ dampers in its “Assetto Fiorano” performance package. GM recognizes Multimatic with special Innovation Award for GMC MultiPro tailgate step assembly.

2020

Multimatic establishes SimCenter Detroit. MPS moves into this expanded sales / engineering facility. Multimatic Special Vehicle Operations Group established. Multimatic Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (MAMT) facility established in Markham, Ontario, as part of the Niche Vehicles Group.

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