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3rd March 2005 - Federal-Mogul Friction Business Booms in Thailand Business is booming at Federal-Mogul Corporation's Ayuttaya, Thailand, Friction plant. A 300 percent increase in the plant's manufacturing output over the last two years prompted relocation to a new expanded facility that is three times the size of the original site. The new 48,000-square-foot facility - which produces light vehicle and motorcycle disc pads for OE and Aftermarket applications - officially opened at the end of 2004. The expanded plant and rapid growth in business required the hiring of 173 additional employees. "This new investment, while supporting our Southeast Asia OE business expansion, is initially aimed at aftermarket growth; phase two will be directed toward increasing our presence in the growing OE operations in Southeast Asia," said Graham Wilkinson, managing director of Federal-Mogul Friction Products, Thailand. "Recent marketing initiatives, which include the re-launch of the FerodoŽ brand in Australia, have generated significant new business for the Ayuttaya plant, and have also expanded programs with existing distributors." Wilkinson, along with Eric McAlexander, vice president, global Friction manufacturing; Chris Boyce, operations director, Friction, Asia Pacific; and John Free, Aftermarket sales director, Asia Pacific, unveiled the new Friction facility at a gala opening ceremony last November, attended by a number of important local and regional dignitaries. The plant's OE customers include Mazda and Isuzu, both of which have large assembly plants in Thailand. Ayuttaya's main aftermarket business base is in Australia and Southeast Asia, closely followed by the U.S. and Europe. "We're very pleased about the expansion of this new business in Thailand," Wilkinson said. "It is an important contribution to Federal-Mogul's dynamic growth in Asia." About Federal-Mogul Federal-Mogul is a leading global automotive supplier offering a comprehensive portfolio of quality products, trusted brands and creative solutions. The Company utilizes its engineering and materials expertise, proprietary and innovative technology, manufacturing skill, distribution flexibility and marketing power to create value for its stakeholders. The Company's principal customers include many of the world's foremost original equipment manufacturers of vehicles and industrial products, and aftermarket retailers and wholesalers. Headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, Federal-Mogul's rich heritage began in Detroit, Michigan in 1899. Today, Federal-Mogul employs more than 45,000 people in 29 countries. Our products are sold under a variety of power brands, including but not limited to, AEŽ engine products, ANCOŽ wipers, ChampionŽ spark plugs and wipers, Fel-ProŽ gaskets, FerodoŽ brake pads, GlycoŽ bearings, GoetzeŽ piston rings, MoogŽ chassis products, NationalŽ wheel end components, NuralŽ pistons, PayenŽ gaskets, Sealed PowerŽ engine products and WagnerŽ lighting and brake products. For more information on Federal-Mogul, visit the company's Web site at www.federal-mogul.com Source: Federal-Mogul Press Release |