Announced last August, the new facility is manufacturing truck suspensions, trailer axles and suspensions, and related wheel-end equipment initially for the South American heavy-duty vehicle market. The components are manufactured by Suspensys at a new, 174,000-sq.-ft. facility in Caxias do Sul, Brazil. The components from the venture are being used by original equipment manufacturers in South America, and exports will commence in the next 30 days to Europe and North America.
"The 50/50 partnership has resulted in combining ArvinMeritor's product technology with Suspensys' manufacturing and operations expertise to produce innovative, state-of-the-art components for the truck and trailer markets," said Thomas Gosnell, senior vice president and president, Commercial Vehicle Systems. "This relationship is allowing us to provide value-added service to our new and existing customers."
Randon, a conglomerate specializing in numerous markets in South America, holds core competencies in the manufacturing of trailer equipment and specialty vehicles, as well as automotive systems and components.
"This production of truck and trailer components at our new Caxias do Sul manufacturing facility signifies a new frontier for ArvinMeritor," said Sergio Carvalho, vice president and general manager, Suspension Systems, Trailer Products, and Ride Control. "This translates to enhanced offerings and improved service for our South American customers, and an increase in our position as the world's largest manufacturer of trailer axles and related components."