As one of the top 100 automotive suppliers worldwide, Webasto actively supports the transformation of the industry with decades of expertise and future‑oriented products, such as innovative roof systems, battery solutions, and heating and cooling products. Approaching 30 years in the Blue Grass Business Park, most of the jobs at the Lexington facility involve the manual assembly of automotive sunroofs, including pre-assembly steps related to polyurethane encapsulation of glass panels. There are also support functions like maintenance, shipping and receiving, and engineering and administrative.
Automobile roof systems were Webasto’s largest product group by revenue (78-percent) in 2025. Thermo management solutions and battery systems contributed approximately 13-percent and 8-percent, respectively, to the group’s sales.
Meanwhile, tariffs have put considerable pressure on the company’s overall profit margins. Klug said that Webasto has launched strategic initiatives to mitigate these adverse economic effects by actively identifying and developing alternative shipping routes. By diversifying the supply chain and exploring new logistical pathways, the company aims to optimize cost structures and build long-term resilience against ongoing trade volatility.
Culture is a big thing for companies these days as they work to attract and retain workers. What has Webasto implemented over the years to strengthen company culture?
“We have regular company meetings to ensure good communication,” said Klug. “Company cookouts, cookie and coffee trucks, and similar activities help the culture and team engagement. Recent ‘Perfect Future’ workshops included full-day, off-site meetings of a cross-functional group of about 100 colleagues to focus on the most important topics in the eyes of our colleagues and assign actions to follow.”
The company continues to add to its workforce. Klug said, “Recent recurring hiring seminars have targeted adding about 30 colleagues per month. This has been due to new business opportunities and regular turnover/attrition. A two-day DOJO and mentored on-the-job training make it possible for new colleagues to be trained relatively quickly. Some jobs, which are more product safety critical, require advanced training.”
“The Lexington area offers a great culture mix with a lot of talent for our workforce. Further, we are situated very well at the hub of many surrounding automotive customers within a day’s drive.”
Has Webasto introduced AI into its operations and how has the company approached its use among employees?
“Webasto has embraced the AI opportunity with thorough testing and oversight to help streamline our business in many departments, including finance, engineering and technology, and many day-to-day work tasks. Suggestions for new opportunities are always welcome for submission, testing, and payback analysis. We see it as an important tool to leverage going forward.”
