
Plastic Omnium, now known as OPmobility, is a French automotive supplier that was founded in 1946 by Pierre Burelle. The company began by making plastic steering columns for Renault and has since expanded its operations to 131 plants across 26 countries. Plastic Omnium's customers include automakers such as Renault, Tesla Inc., BYD Co. (China), Alstom SA (France), and Airbus SE. The company has also won contracts for its sustainable products, such as its line of wheeled rubbish bins made with plant-based polyethylene derived from sugarcane, which was requested by Rio de Janeiro in 2012.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Plants | 131 |
| Presence | 26 countries |
| Divisions | Auto Exterior Division, Auto Inergy Division |
| Auto Exterior Division Products | External plastic elements (thermoplastic and composite) for cars, bumpers, energy absorption systems, fender and front-end modules |
| Auto Inergy Division Products | Plastic fuel tank systems, SCR tank systems |
| North American Plants | 17 (8 in the US, 8 in Mexico, and 1 in Canada) |
| North American Employees | 4,500 |
| North American Customers | General Motors, Ford, BMW, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) |
| North American Revenue | 27% of Plastic Omnium's total automotive revenue |
| New Customers | Tesla Inc., BYD Co. (China), Alstom SA (France) |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic Omnium's customers include makers of vans, trucks, trains and planes
- The company has 13 manufacturing sites in the US
- Plastic Omnium's hydrogen system has been adopted by a major European automaker for use in its buses
- Plastic Omnium began making plastic steering columns for Renault
- Plastic Omnium currently has 131 plants and is present in 26 countries

Plastic Omnium's customers include makers of vans, trucks, trains and planes
Plastic Omnium, now known as OPmobility, is a French automotive supplier with a wide range of clients, including makers of vans, trucks, trains, and planes. The company was founded by Pierre Burelle in 1946 and initially began by manufacturing plastic steering columns for Renault. Over the years, it has expanded its operations and now has a global presence, with 131 plants across 26 countries and a strong focus on sustainable and connected mobility.
In North America, Plastic Omnium operates 17 plants and employs 4,500 people. The company supplies exterior components and fuel systems to leading automakers such as General Motors, Ford, BMW, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). These American-based customers contribute significantly to the company's revenue, accounting for 27% of Plastic Omnium's automotive revenue.
The company's commitment to innovation and sustainability is further evident in its hydrogen system, which has been adopted by a major European automaker for use in its buses. This system includes hydrogen tanks and fuel cell stacks, providing a comprehensive solution for hydrogen mobility. Additionally, Plastic Omnium showcased its capabilities at the Vienna Motor Symposium 2023, presenting a VDL truck equipped with a hydrogen storage system and a fuel cell system.
Looking towards the future, Plastic Omnium, now OPmobility, has set its sights on expanding its client base. The company plans to offer new electric vehicle and hydrogen technology to a diverse range of clients, including Tesla Inc., BYD Co. in China, and France's Alstom SA. With investments in new plants and manufacturing sites, the company is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of the automotive industry and its customers.
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The company has 13 manufacturing sites in the US
Plastic Omnium, now known as OPmobility, is a French automotive supplier founded by Pierre Burelle in 1946. The company began by making plastic steering columns for Renault and has since expanded its operations to 26 countries with 131 plants worldwide.
In the United States, Plastic Omnium operates eight plants, four development centres, and employs around 4,500 people. These operations are a crucial part of the company's global business, contributing significantly to its turnover and workforce. The company has a strong focus on the North American market, which is one of the largest automotive markets globally, with 17.5 million vehicles and 20% of the world's production.
The eight manufacturing sites in the US are strategically located to serve several leading automakers, including General Motors, Ford, BMW, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). These American-based customers account for 27% of Plastic Omnium's automotive revenue, highlighting the importance of their US operations.
Plastic Omnium's US plants are equipped with advanced capabilities, allowing them to supply a range of exterior components, modules, and fuel systems. The company's expertise lies in developing intelligent bumpers, tailgates, and automotive lighting systems that enhance vehicle performance and offer modern features such as connectivity, communication, and personalisation.
In recent years, Plastic Omnium has demonstrated its commitment to sustainable and connected mobility by changing its name to OPmobility in 2024. This strategic shift aligns with their goal of offering new electric vehicle and hydrogen technology to a broader client base. As part of this initiative, the company has invested in new plants and manufacturing sites in Texas and Michigan, aiming to double its US revenue by 2028.
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Plastic Omnium's hydrogen system has been adopted by a major European automaker for use in its buses
Plastic Omniums (now OPmobility) is a French automotive supplier founded by Pierre Burelle in 1946. The company began by making plastic steering columns for Renault and has since expanded to supply exterior components, modules, and fuel systems to many leading automakers. These include General Motors, Ford, BMW, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).
In 2022, Plastic Omnium announced a partnership with Safra, a French manufacturer of hydrogen-powered buses, to supply Type IV high-pressure hydrogen vessels and fuel cell systems for its new fleet of Hycity hydrogen buses. These hydrogen vessels are made entirely from plastic encased in carbon fiber and are designed to provide a minimum range of 350 kilometers. The collaboration between the two companies highlights Plastic Omnium's commitment to hydrogen technology and its belief in hydrogen's role in future clean mobility.
Plastic Omnium has invested over €300 million since 2015 to expand its expertise and industrial footprint in the hydrogen value chain. The company's hydrogen system has been adopted by a major European automaker for use in its buses, with production starting at the end of 2022 and driving operations commencing in 2023. This system includes fuel cell stacks manufactured by EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies, a joint venture company 40% owned by Plastic Omnium, and hydrogen tanks that together provide a total solution for hydrogen mobility.
The adoption of Plastic Omnium's hydrogen system by a major European automaker demonstrates the company's success in the hydrogen mobility sector and its ability to provide innovative and sustainable solutions for public transportation. With its focus on hydrogen technology and investments in increasing its expertise, Plastic Omnium is well-positioned to become a leader in the clean mobility industry.
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Plastic Omnium began making plastic steering columns for Renault
Plastic Omnium, a French automotive supplier, was founded by Pierre Burelle in 1946. The company began making plastic steering columns for Renault but quickly expanded its operations to other carmakers in France and internationally.
Plastic Omnium initially focused on manufacturing plastic steering columns for Renault, but soon diversified its offerings to include various external plastic components for automobiles. Over time, they extended their supply contracts to multiple carmakers within France and across the globe, solidifying their presence in the automotive industry.
The company has two primary automotive divisions: the Auto Exterior Division and the Auto Inergy Division (formerly known as Inergy Automotive Systems). The Auto Exterior Division is responsible for producing external plastic elements, such as bumpers, energy absorption systems, fenders, and front-end modules. These components are made from thermoplastic and composite materials, enhancing the aesthetics and functionality of vehicles.
On the other hand, the Auto Inergy Division specializes in plastic fuel tank systems and SCR tank systems. This division ensures that vehicles are equipped with efficient and reliable fuel storage solutions.
Plastic Omnium's commitment to innovation and expansion led to significant growth. By the end of 2011, the company had established a strong presence with 131 plants across 26 countries. Their diverse customer base includes leading automakers such as General Motors, Ford, BMW, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).
In recent years, Plastic Omnium has continued to evolve, changing its name to OPmobility in March 2024 to reflect its strategic focus on sustainable and connected mobility. This shift underscores the company's dedication to staying at the forefront of automotive technology and adapting to emerging trends in the industry.
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Plastic Omnium currently has 131 plants and is present in 26 countries
Plastic Omnium, now known as OPmobility, is a French automotive supplier founded by Pierre Burelle in 1946. The company began by making plastic steering columns for Renault and has since expanded its operations to 26 countries worldwide, with 131 plants in total.
In North America, Plastic Omnium has a significant presence, with 17 plants spread across the United States (8 plants), Mexico (8 plants), and Canada (1 plant). The company's North American operations supply bumpers, modules, and fuel systems to leading automakers, including General Motors, Ford, BMW, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). These American-based customers contribute to 27% of Plastic Omnium's automotive revenue.
The company has also been investing in new plants and manufacturing sites in the United States, such as in Austin, Texas, and Michigan, as part of its strategic focus on sustainable and connected mobility. This shift in focus led to the company's name change from Plastic Omnium to OPmobility in March 2024.
Plastic Omnium has also been developing innovative technologies, such as hydrogen storage and fuel cell systems. Their hydrogen system has been adopted by a major European automaker for use in its buses, demonstrating their expanding global reach and diverse customer base.
With its 131 plants and presence in 26 countries, Plastic Omnium, now OPmobility, continues to be a leading player in the automotive industry, providing advanced and sustainable solutions to its customers worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic Omnium's automaker customers include Tesla Inc., China’s BYD Co., and France’s Alstom SA. The company also has a joint venture with ElringKlinger, which has been adopted by a major European automaker for use in its buses.
Plastic Omnium supplies electric vehicle and hydrogen technology to automakers. The company also manufactures and supplies components such as bumpers, front-end modules, lighting, and hydrogen storage tanks.
Plastic Omnium has a global presence with manufacturing sites in the US, Mexico, and France. The company is headquartered in France and has 131 plants across 26 countries.
Plastic Omnium was founded by Pierre Burelle in 1946 and began by making plastic steering columns for Renault. The company has since expanded its operations and changed its name to OPmobility in 2024 to reflect its focus on sustainable and connected mobility.


