ArvinMeritor opens new Ontario Mascot parts plant

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — When a door closes in Canada, another opens for ArvinMeritor.

After announcing the closure of two Ontario plants in recent months, ArvinMeritor cut the ribbon on a new 100,000 sq ft facility for Mascot Truck Parts in Mississauga, Ont.

The operation — which remanufactures transmissions, drive axle carriers, drivelines, and steering gears — previously consisted of three smaller, separate facilities in the area.

"Mascot is one of our key product brands for our aftermarket business, and it has built a significant reputation for quality, customer service, and extensive product knowledge," said Terry Livingston, general manager-North America, for ArvinMeritor’s Commercial Vehicle Aftermarket.

"At the center of our remanufacturing strategy are two key factors: same day/next day availability through strategically located distribution centers — 25 for Mascot — and an all-makes portfolio that enables customers to make one phone call for their post engine overhaul drivetrain needs,” added Livingston.

From the new operation, over 1200 axle carriers and transmissions are shipped monthly to customers and partners throughout North America including five truck OEMs, and a host of select authorized outlets.

"The consolidation allows for quicker decision-making and reduced cycle-times as well as consistent processes for all products," said Glenn Hanthorn, president of Mascot, which also operates remanufacturing centers in Edmonton, Alberta; Moncton, New Brunswick; and Boucherville, Quebec.

Under the management direction of Glenn Hanthorn, Tony Macharacek, regional operations manager, Bill Statham, general manager, and Guido Sala, senior quality manager, the business unit has increased its production capacity for axle carriers and transmissions by roughly 20 percent due to the consolidation, while lean initiatives introduced at the facility allow more space for further growth, the company says.