Automotive Products Italia (SV) S.r.l. was established in 1984 as a producer of drum and park brakes for passenger and commercial vehicles. The plant is located in Cairo Montenotte, in the province of Savona. Until 1997, the company employed approximately 200 people and business was predominantly focussed on the Fiat Group. In 1998 a customer diversification strategy was implemented resulting in a significant expansion of the customer base to include vehicle manufacturers such as Ford, Toyota, Land Rover, Renault, General Motors, Nissan and Mazda. To accommodate this expansion, the company has invested heavily in new plant and equipment and doubled its workforce. AP's commitment to investments in technology and quality, with a focus on continuous improvement, has been the driving force behind the company's Original Equipment sales growth. Automotive Products Italia (SV) S.r.l, with nearly 500 employees, is the European leader in the design and manufacturing of drum brakes and now, after being acquired by the German Automotive Supplier Continental, it has become part of one of the five largest automotive products' suppliers in the world. Total area mq 50.000 Covered area mq 17.000