Meritor Inc has announced an incremental investment of $16 million in its European brake operations. This builds on a $42 million investment the company announced at the 2010 Hanover IAA Commercial Vehicle show to solidify its position as a global on-highway brake leader.
The complete investment plan focuses on these initiatives:
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Advanced product technology combining reduced weight, higher output, and broader application coverage
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More in-depth product test and validation capabilities
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Facility modernization creating a operating environment to ensure market-leading cost, quality, and safety
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Larger customer support and manufacturing teams
The initial investment led to expansion of the ELSA air disc brake and S-Cam product lines, and development of future braking technologies. At this year's IAA Commercial Vehicle show, Meritor announced the latest developments to the ELSA family of air disc brakes that demonstrated features including reduced weight, improved life, and increased performance with nominal torque ratings up to 30 kNm.
The company's earlier investment also included vehicle and lab performance testing, and validation improvements such as a new noise, vibration and harshness, and thermal imaging dynamometer. This dynamometer is capable of testing complete corner modules, including axles, suspensions, and wheel-ends. Additionally, the company purchased a new advanced three-axis vibration rig to analyze effects of vibration more accurately.
In addition, Meritor recently began a modernization of the Cwmbran, Wales, site to enhance its production efficiency while achieving a greener and more environmentally friendly facility. As part of the update, investments have been made in world-class manufacturing systems to improve quality and achieve zero parts per million, as well as a state-of-the-art machining and assembly operation.