ArvinMeritor enters into brake venture with Chinese firm

TROY, Mich. (June 1, 2005) — ArvinMeritor Inc. has announced the formation of a joint venture with First Auto Works Sihuan Axle Brake Group of Changchun, China.

The joint venture expands ArvinMeritor’s capacity to produce commercial vehicle foundation air brakes, specifically air disc brakes and automatic slack adjusters. The formation has been approved by both companies’ boards and is pending standard governmental approvals.

The deal will establish a new manufacturing facility in the Changchun area later this year. An expected 90,000 brakes will be built each year at the new facility when it reaches production levels. Components made will be for domestic markets and exports.

ArvinMeritor’s Global Brake Systems business, led by Pedro Ferro, vice-president and general manager, maintains major brake component manufacturing and supply locations in Canada, United States, Mexico, Turkey and Brazil.

Together with its Meritor WABCO Vehicle Control Systems joint venture in North America, ArvinMeritor was the first supplier to offer a comprehensive package, the Complete Braking System, which includes foundation braking components, air compressors, air dryers, hydraulic and pneumatic anti-lock braking systems, brake control valves, electronic braking systems and stability control systems.

— via Truckinginfo.com