Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies will increase its testing capabilities with the addition of a new materials laboratory at its Findlay, Ohio manufacturing plant.
The new laboratory, part of an overall plant expansion taking place in 2015, will provide the company’s Fluid Power Division with new material characterization, failure analysis and mechanical property test capabilities. It also will consolidate and expand an existing engineering test laboratory at the facility.
“Research and development are core values at Freudenberg-NOK and this laboratory investment supports the company’s mission, customers and markets,” said Dr. Theodore G. Duclos, president, Freudenberg-NOK.
Findlay‘s expansion, announced last month, will add 43,000 square feet to the existing factory. The new lab will account for approximately 2,000 sq. ft of the total and represents an investment of approximately $450,000 in equipment and building expenses. The entire project will create 25 new jobs at the Findlay plant and represents an investment of approximately $8.6 mil in construction and equipment upgrades. It will be complete by winter, 2015.
The company officially celebrated the expansion today in a groundbreaking ceremony at the plant with company executives, elected officials, employees and media. The Findlay facility produces approximately 700 plastic parts for customers including vehicle manufacturers and tier one and two suppliers using state-of-the art manufacturing processes.
The new laboratory will perform analysis and testing of parts the plant is making from plastics. These include thrust washers, seals and other components used in the automotive industry. In addition, the company is installing a new engineering test rig in the lab that will measure torque loss. The data will help Freudenberg-NOK further improve custom engineered sealing solutions that are reducing CO2 emissions and improving fuel economy.
The Findlay expansion will result in creation of 25 new jobs including chemist, chemical engineer and quality technician positions. The company worked with the state of Ohio, including the Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development authority, Jobs Ohio and the Regional Growth Partnership on workforce incentives.
Findlay’s expansion will help the facility increase its compression and injection molding product production which includes seal rings, thrust washers, pistons and assemblies. The plant currently manufacturers 185 million seals and related components annually and anticipates the new addition will increase production by approximately 25 percent a year.
Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies
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