TMD
Friction has begun production at its new location in Caransebes/Romania.
By taking this step, the world's leading manufacturer of friction parts
for original equipment (OE) in the automotive and brake industries is
increasing its production capacity by 20 million to approx. 270 million
units per year. Setting up a facility in Romania is part of TMD
Friction’s expansion strategy into the eastern European markets.
Initially, the Caransebes plant will produce brake friction parts for
the international replacement part market. Production of brake friction
parts for original equipments is scheduled to commence in 2009.
Derek Whitworth, CEO of TMD Friction, says: "The production plant in
Caransebes will contribute towards strengthening our position in a very
promising market region. The new plant is proof that we are continuing
with our strategy of producing in the immediate vicinity of the
customers." Romania is already home to automotive manufacturer like
Dacia-Renault and Ford. Romania is considered to be a growing country in
the automotive industry with a fast expanding hinterland in other
Eastern European markets and Russia
"In 2007 almost 5.8 million light vehicles have been produced in
Central and East Europe and the forecast for 2010 sees a growth of
approx. 30 percent in this sector. The production increase for
commercial vehicles will be even higher. With the new plant in Romania
TMD Friction will take part in this economical success story", explains
Whitworth. New vehicle sales in Romania show an increase of around 26
percent compared to the previous year, putting Romania in eighth place
in Europe. Starting production in Caransebes enables TMD Friction also
to offer a cost-effective alternative to its customers.
About TMD Friction
TMD Friction Group is the world's leading manufacturer of brake
friction materials in the original equipment market of the automotive
and brake industry. Its product portfolio comprises disc brake pads and
drum brake linings for passenger cars and commercial vehicles together
with brake pads for racing and friction materials for industry. TMD
Friction also supplies the global aftermarket with its Textar, Pagid,
Mintex, Don, Cobreq, and Cosid brands. With locations in Germany and six
other European countries, the USA, Brazil,Mexico, China, Japan and
Malaysia, TMD Friction generated a turnover of 690 million Euros in 2007
and employed 4,500 people worldwide.