Expansion supports demand in Chinese market for engine technologies that reduce emissions and improve fuel economy
Federal-Mogul Powertrain, a division of Federal-Mogul Holdings Corporation (FDML), today announced it has relocated two engine bearing plants in Shanghai into one larger facility to meet the growing demands for its innovative powertrain solutions that enable reduced emissions and improved fuel efficiency in China.
Located in the Zhoupu Zhihui Industrial Park in Shanghai, the new plant is a Federal-Mogul majority-owned joint venture with Shanghai Automotive Industry Co. (Group) (SAIC) subsidiary Huayu Automotive Systems Co. Ltd. The company expects the 215,000 square-foot plant, which produces bearings, bushings and thrust washers to original equipment manufacturers, will double its current capacity of engine bearings for domestic Chinese customers in the next five years.
“This new investment not only represents the company’s long-term commitment to the region’s automotive manufacturers but it also brings our innovative and award-winning IROX® bearing product and process technology to the Chinese market,” said Richard Llope, senior vice president and general manager, Bearings, Federal-Mogul Powertrain. “We are grateful to our joint venture partner and the local government for their support, which enabled a successful transition to the new site.”
The company is launching its industry-leading IROX bearing technology in the new facility to localize production and supply for the domestic China market. The IROX polymer-coated bearing reduces vehicle fuel consumption and CO2 emissions and enables higher mechanical loads while extending bearing life. The advanced IROX coating also addresses the lubrication challenges associated with frequent restarts found in stop-start downsized engines.
“The new state-of-the-art facility will benefit from reduced material delivery lead time and optimized production flow and logistics, enabling us to quickly respond to our customers’ needs,” said Felix Cheng, vice president and general manager, China and Korea, Federal-Mogul Powertrain. “We are excited to offer our customers world-class processes and technologies.”
