- Business
- Riviera Tool Company designs, develops, manufactures, and sells custom and complex large-scale metal stamping die systems utilized in the high-speed mass production of automobile and heavy truck body parts. Its product portfolio includes line die systems, transfer die systems, progressive die systems, and blanking dies engineered for producing underbody panels, inter-structural panels, outer body panels, bumper systems, and major body-in-white components such as frame rails, pillars, and cross-members. Riviera operates a state-of-the-art 170,000 square foot manufacturing facility equipped with try-out presses up to 1,000 tons and employs approximately 100 skilled technical personnel. The company serves automotive, heavy truck, and military vehicle sectors, also providing development services for electric vehicle powertrain components.
Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Riviera Tool Company primarily operates within the North American automotive market but also supports broader industrial and military applications. The company is recognized for integrating advanced technologies across its manufacturing processes, expanding capacity to handle large body panel dies, and emphasizing quality, faster turnaround times, and reduced production costs.
A significant recent change is Riviera Tool Company's acquisition by Tesla Motors, Inc. in 2015, which has led to further strategic integration with Tesla's manufacturing operations. This acquisition supports Tesla's in-house stamping and plastic parts production and new metal forming technology development, expanding Riviera's footprint and role in electric vehicle manufacturing. The move reflects a broader industry trend of OEMs integrating tool and die capabilities internally for enhanced production capacity and innovation support. Riviera's operations now contribute to Tesla's electric vehicle and stationary energy storage product manufacturing. This acquisition also signals potential expansion in tooling services beyond automotive, including energy storage systems production.
Overall, Riviera Tool Company operates as a leading full-service supplier of complex stamping die systems with strategic ties to Tesla, focusing on manufacturing excellence, innovation, and supporting both traditional and electric vehicle production needs.