
Hilite International
- Sector Industrial
- Year invested 2011
- Location Germany
- Status Realised

Hilite is a global supplier of leading automotive solutions, and innovative engine and transmission products. Through our ownership, it transformed from an ambitious and growing automotive business to a truly global leader in innovative products for improving fuel efficiency.
Visit hilite.com
Overview
Together with the Board, we developed Hilite's internationalisation strategy, introduced a Chair with strong global sector knowledge and an extensive network. We brought in two NXDs, one with US experience and the other with a Chinese focus, to help develop the Asian market. We also established a state of the art manufacturing plant in China in order to drive Asian sales and helped the development of a ‘one international Hilite’ culture which improved operating efficiency through best practice sharing.
How we added value
- 50% core revenue growth, including sales to China increasing from 0 - 17% in three years
- Won new customers globally including Audi and Volvo, and provided greater global support to existing customers
- Globally coordinated R&D effort with new centres opened in the US and China
- Large scale global sourcing improvement initiative
Read more about Hilite's Good to Great journey here.
I would like to thank 3i for its close support which has been critical to delivering rapid and sustainable growth and achieving the company’s international ambitions.
Regulatory information
This transaction involved a recommendation of 3i Investments plc, advised by 3i Germany.