Federal-Mogul’s plan for new production facility in Chennai

Federal-Mogul Corporation is planning to build a new facility in Chennai, for the manufacture of friction components for OE and aftermarket segments. The operation is scheduled to begin production of light vehicle brake and friction components and commercial vehicle and railway friction products by September 2009.

Federal-Mogul currently manufactures products at six centres in India, including pistons, rings, liners, bearings, ignition and sintered products for both OE and aftermarket customers. The locations are Bangalore, Bhiwadi (two units), Khandsa, Parwanoo and Patiala. Its Ferodo friction products are manufactured in India since 1995, although the new friction facility will be its first in the Chennai region.

Federal-Mogul’s wholly-owned subsidiary in India recently signed a memorandum of understanding with New Chennai Township Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of MARG Ltd., to buy 10 acres of land on which it will build the 6,000-sq. metre facility. The plant, to be built in three phases, will eventually cover 15,000 sq. metres and create approximately 500 jobs.
“This new greenfield facility is another example of Federal-Mogul’s commitment to expand its manufacturing footprint in India. Products manufactured at the new facility will be for both local vehicle manufacturers and for export”, said Federal-Mogul President and Chief Executive Officer José Maria Alapont.

“We are the leader in supplying Ferodo brand vehicle brake friction components, and we continue to have excellent opportunities for growth. We are happy to expand our presence in India. The new facility in Chennai is an investment to enlarge and diversify our presence in India in support of market growth, and further demonstrates our commitment to sustainable global profitable growth strategy,” Alapont added.

Federal-Mogul which supplies systems protection products is one of the world’s largest suppliers of friction materials. Both the systems protection and friction products are used in the automotive, heavy-duty, motorcycle, railway and consumer products markets. The primary products include brake disc pads, brake shoes, brake linings and blocks.

The company offers a portfolio of world-class brand names, including Abex, Beral, Ferodo, ThermoQuiet and Wagner. It supplies friction and systems protection products to all major customers in the light vehicle, commercial vehicle and railway sectors and is also a leading company in the aftermarket.

Federal-Mogul Corporation is a leading global supplier of powertrain and safety technologies, serving the world’s foremost original equipment manufacturers of automotive, light commercial, heavy-duty, industrial, agricultural, marine, rail, off-road and industrial vehicles, as well as the worldwide aftermarket. The company’s leading technology and innovation, lean manufacturing expertise, as well as marketing and distribution deliver world-class products, brands and services with quality excellence at a competitive cost.

Federal-Mogul is focused on its sustainable global profitable growth strategy, creating value and satisfaction for its customers, shareholders and employees. Federal-Mogul was founded in Detroit in 1899. The company is headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, and employs 50,000 people in 35 countries. For details, visit www.federalmogul.com