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    FISITA World Mobility Conference 2025: Key themes and concerns for the automotive industry
    One thing is abundantly clear after the FISITA World Mobility Conference (WMC) last week. Megatrends impact everything. No longer can chassis development, braking, safety validation and so forth stand alone without impact from the broader drive towards electrification, the AI revolution or SDVs, to name a few.  The event’s sessions gave the impression that electrification is already baked into the industry, particularly in Europe where the debate on (regulation-pushed) direction is ...
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    Beyond horsepower: Compute becomes the new competitive edge for OEMs
    Automotive compute power is becoming a defining metric of vehicle capability — not just for autonomy, but across cockpit systems, connectivity and life-cycle software deployment. As vehicles transition toward centralized electrical/electronic (E/E) architectures and software-defined platforms, silicon performance is now a core determinant of what a vehicle can do — and how long it will remain competitive in the field. Two metrics have emerged as industry standards for measuring this compu...
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    Freudenberg Sealing Technologies unveils new materials for rapid EV battery charging
    Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FST) is advancing thermal management for e-mobility by introducing new materials aimed at facilitating rapid charging and enhancing battery capacity. These developments will be showcased at the Battery Show Europe in Stuttgart, Germany, from June 3–5. The company's new materials offer significant design flexibility for integration into various production processes. As the automotive industry evolves toward technologies enabling fast and safe battery chargin...
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    Freudenberg introduces new sealing material for e-mobility battery applications
    Freudenberg Sealing Technologies, based in Weinheim, Germany, has introduced a new sealing material designed for e-mobility applications, offering an alternative to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-containing thermoplastics and FKM seals. This material, processed through injection molding, aims to enhance sealing performance, ensure battery longevity and comply with tightening environmental standards. As the electric vehicle market expands, the demand for batteries that charge faste...
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    Freudenberg advances EV technology with innovative in-wheel motor seals
    Freudenberg Sealing Technologies, recognized as the global market leader in sealing solutions, is enhancing the development of in-wheel motors (IWM) for electric vehicles by offering a patented sealing technology. This innovation caters to original equipment manufacturers and electric-motor producers across a spectrum ranging from passenger cars to commercial vehicles. IWMs present a series of benefits for EVs, including the potential elimination or repositioning of components such as transmi...
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    Freudenberg appoints Claus Möhlenkamp as successor to Mohsen Sohi
    Freudenberg Group announced that Claus Möhlenkamp, a veteran Freudenberg executive, has been appointed as the next CEO of Freudenberg SE and speaker of the management board Freudenberg & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft. He replaces Mohsen Sohi, who is set to retire as the chairman of the management board on June 30, 2025. Ahead of this transition, Möhlenkamp will join both boards as deputy chairman on Jan. 1, 2025. Möhlenkamp brings over 30 years of experience within Freudenbe...
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    Freudenberg unveils innovative battery solutions for EVs
    In a press release dated Sept. 4, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies announced that it has developed two innovative prismatic battery-cell solutions, aimed at enhancing the reliability, cycle life and design flexibility of batteries for electric vehicles. Freudenberg Sealing Technologies has developed cell caps and nonwoven cell stack envelopes, both now ready for series production, to aid manufacturers in achieving these goals. The nonwoven cell envelopes, a key innovation, are made from ...
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    Ascend Elements ships cathode materials to Freudenberg e-Power Systems
    Ascend Elements has shipped decarbonized cathode materials, including precursor (pCAM) and cathode active materials (CAM) to to Freudenberg e-Power Systems for applications in heavy-duty lithium-ion batteries, the company announced June 19. The shipment of pCAM material was engineered and manufactured at the Ascend Elements pilot facility in Westborough, Mass. The materials will be sintered and finished as CAM at the Ascend Elements location in Novi, Mich. before shipment to Freudenberg e-Pow...
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    Freudenberg Sealing Technologies starts carbon-neutral plant in Spain
    Freudenberg Sealing Technologies, a leading supplier of high-performance materials and advanced products for the automotive sector and general industry, announced the opening of its modern production facility in Parets del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain. The fully carbon-neutral plant, dedicated to manufacturing automotive components such as damper seals, is boosting its production capacity by 15%. Freudenberg has invested more than €11 million in the new production facility, Autocar Professiona...
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    Freudenberg invests USD11 million to increase production capacity at Catalonia plant
    The Government of Catalonia announced via press release on 17 March that German manufacturer of auto parts Freudenberg will invest USD11 million to build a new parts manufacturing plant in Parets del Vallès, Catalonia, Spain. According to the press release, the new plant, built over an area of 6,500 square meters, will replace Freudenberg’s existing plant at the site and will allow it to increase production capacity for shock absorber and steering wheel components by 15%. The new plant is ...
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    Freudenberg Sealing Technologies displays EV components at the Battery Show, USA
    Freudenberg Sealing Technologies showcased newly developed, innovative thermally-conductive and electrically-insulating (or TCEI) materials that are used in manufacturing bobbins for electric motors, along with other EV-specific components and battery systems at the Battery Show in Novi, Michigan, USA, the company said in a press release on 14 September. The Battery Show was organized in Novi from September 14 to 16. It said that the newly developed thermoplastic compounds, referring to the T...
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    Freudenberg launches electrically conductive seals for EVs operating at 800V
    Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FST) has launched a new generation of electrically conductive seals ‘eCONevo’ for high-performance electric drives at the virtual 2021 Vienna Motor Symposium, according to a company press release on 29 April 2021. The new seals prevent bearing damage caused by electrically-induced corrosion and also increase electromagnetic compatibility. The eCONevo has a very thin, conductive, nonwoven material attached to the radial shaft seal ring and provides direct ele...
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    Freudenberg reports 6.6 % y/y decline in sales to USD10.9 billion for FY 2020
    Freudenberg Group has reported a sales of EUR8.84 billion (USD10.86 billion) in the full year ended 31 December 2020, compared to EUR9.46 billion in the previous year, according to a company press release on 30 March. Operating income of the Freudenberg Group, however, fell 22.4% year on year (y/y) to EUR669.9 million during the year. Consolidated profit rose to EUR366 million (USD448 million), which is a decline of 40% y/y. Significance: Freudenberg Group noted that particularly for the comp...
    News
    Freudenberg Sealing Technologies expands material testing capabilities in US
    Freudenberg Sealing Technologies has expanded its material testing capabilities to include performance and compatibility evaluations for materials used to seal and maintain lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, according to a company press release on 16 March. The company has installed advanced equipment and created new testing protocols at its Central Laboratory in Plymouth, Michigan, US. A major chunk of the six-figure investment has been directed toward a specially designed Isolation and Co...
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    Freudenberg Sealing Technologies develops new DIAvent valves for safer lithium-ion batteries
    Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FST) has developed a new generation of DIAvent valves for improving the safety of the lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries in electric vehicles (EVs), the company announced in a press release on 19 January. The new valves allow reaction gases to escape from damaged Li-ion batteries four times faster than before. At the same time, the valve maintains the continuous pressure compensation required for normal battery operation. FST said that it is preparing for a rapid se...
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    Freudenberg Sealing Technologies starts series production of DIAvent pressure compensation element for BJEV EV’s batteries
    Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FST) has started series production of DIAvent pressure compensation element, the company announced in a press release on 24 November. The element will be equipped in ARCFOX α-T electric car from the Chinese manufacturer Beijing Electric Vehicles (BJEV). "We are delighted that DIAvent is now going into series production for the first time at a Chinese OEM. The high demand for this product shows us that we know the needs of our automotive customers very well a...
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    Freudenberg develops cabin air filters to counter virus-laden aerosols
    Germany-based components and systems supplier, Freudenberg, has introduced four-layer cabin air filters that has the ability to filter out around 90% of virus-laden aerosols. According to a press release issued by Freudenberg on 30 October, the company stated that the fourth layer in these new filters are coated with fruit extract and has the ability to inactivate the separated viruses. Freudenberg’s filtration systems work with high-performance suspended particulate filters that capture al...
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    Freudenberg develops elastomer for e-mobility applications
    Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FST) has developed a new elastomer for e-mobility applications. According to a company press release on 21 July, FST has developed a material that combines seemingly contradictory properties—it conducts heat well but is also electrically insulating. The company is already testing initial applications for charging sockets, control units and batteries in electric vehicles (EV). “We’re still in the beginning stages of applying the thermally conductive elas...
    News
    Combi cabin air filters to gain larger foothold in the global market
    One of the most important criteria when purchasing a new car is passenger comfort. Carmakers heavily invest in making their vehicles as comfortable as possible, and the A/C or climate control unit has been a focus area for advancement for a very long time. The pollution we face on our daily commutes, coupled with natural irritants or allergens such as pollen, has made sophisticated climate control systems the unique value proposition (UVP) for many vehicle manufacturers. While the earlier genera...
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    M&A: Freudenberg completes acquisition of performance materials firm Low & Bonar
    Freudenberg has completed the acquisition of performance materials firm Low & Bonar, the company announced in a press release on 12 May. Low & Bonar PLC will be delisted from the London Stock Exchange on May 13. The company will be integrated in the Freudenberg Performance Materials Business Group. “As a pioneer in spunbonded nonwoven production, Freudenberg has offered its customers materials manufactured with a one-step production process since 1968. Thanks to the two-step process...
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    COVID-19 pandemic: Freudenberg commences production of face masks
    Freudenberg has started producing mouth-nose masks to fight the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, according to a company press release on 4 May 2020. The masks under the brand name ‘Collectex’ will be available from 11 May initially only in Germany. The company’s three Business Groups—Freudenberg Filtration Technologies, Freudenberg Home and Cleaning Solutions and Freudenberg Performance Materials—have combined expertise in technical nonwovens, filter media and distribut...
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    M&A: Freudenberg gets European Commission's approval for acquisition of Low & Bonar
    Freudenberg has received approval from the European Commission (EC) for the acquisition of high-performance materials company Low & Bonar, the company announced in a press release on 17 April. The Commission has granted an unconditional Phase 1 clearance under the EU Merger Regulation (EUMR). Completion of the acquisition remains subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the remaining conditions to the offer, including the sanction of the scheme of arrangement by the Scottish Court. Signif...
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    Freudenberg FY 2019 sales climbs 1.6% y/y in mainland China, local investments rise by 83%
    Germany-based automotive components and technology firm, Freudenberg, has announced its financial results for the fiscal year 2019. According to a press release issued by Freudenberg on 8 April, the company has stated that it registered sales of EUR9.47 billion (approximately USD10.37 billion) during FY 2019, which is at around the same level as the company’s sales of EUR9.46 billion registered during FY 2018. However, the company also reported that its sales in mainland China grew by 1.6% ...
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    Freudenberg's net sales rises marginally to USD10.6 billion in 2019
    Freudenberg Group has reported a sales of EUR9.46 billion in the full year ended 31 December 2019, compared to EUR9.45 billion (USD10.6 billion) in the previous year, according to a company press release on 1 April. Operating income of the Freudenberg Group, however, fell 9.9% year on year (y/y) to EUR820 million during the year. Consolidated profit rose to EUR610.6 million, which is a growth of 1.3% y/y. “We once again invested heavily in our future, in machines, equipment, acquisitions an...
    News
    Freudenberg Sealing Technologies develops DIAvent battery sealing technology
    German auto components supplier Freudenberg Sealing Technologies has developed a new battery sealing technology, according to a press statement released by the company on 10 March. The company states that this new technology, referred to as DIAvent, provides pressure compensation during normal operation and emergency gas release in case of an emergency. These batteries will first be used in the all-electric e-Caddy and e-Transporter vans, which was jointly developed by ABT e-line and Volkswag...
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    Freudenberg completes acquisition of Filc
    Freudenberg has completed its previously announced acquisition of Filc, Freudenberg said in a press release on 14 January 2020. Filc will be integrated into the Freudenberg Performance Materials Business Group and will continue trading under the name Filc for the time being. “With the acquisition, we want to further strengthen our performance materials business, and expand our portfolio and technological footprint in Europe,” said Dr. Mohsen Sohi, Freudenberg Group CEO. Significance: T...
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    Freudenberg develops new low friction bearing with improved lubrication
    German components supplier Freudenberg Sealing Technologies has introduced a newer version of its Levitorq axial thrust washer that has a reduced level of friction. According to a press release issued on December 3rd, the company states that the design of its Levitorq washers has been optimized to include a scoop feature that increases lubrication under the washer, thereby enabling it to reach a higher critical speed. The scoop feature addresses the problem of limited availability of lub...
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    Freudenberg to acquire materials company Filc
    German technology company Freudenberg has signed an agreement to fully acquire materials company Filc, the company announced in a press release on 27 November. Filc is a manufacturer of needle punch nonwoven textiles and laminated materials, with a focus on the automotive and construction industries. The transaction is subject to approval by the antitrust authorities. “With the acquisition, we would like to further strengthen our performance materials business, and expand our portfolio and ...
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    Cabin air filter sector and technology
    World Health Organization (WHO) statistics estimate that ambient air pollution accounts for an estimated 4.2 million deaths per year due to stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases. Air pollution can be defined as the presence of foreign substances in the air that do not belong there or excessive amounts of certain impurities that would not be harmful otherwise. The damage caused by toxic fumes and other dangerous gases, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, i...
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    Freudenberg Sealing Technologies develops new coating for reducing friction in rotary shaft seals
    Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FST) and Freudenberg Technology Innovation have come up with a new coating that improves wetting with synthetic lubricants, according to a company press statement on 19 November. The wetting of the sealing lip plays a significant role in the optimal functioning of a rotary shaft seal.  The coating developed by the companies, called 75 FKM 585, is only a few hundred nanometres thick and forms a flexible bond with the elastomers used in the seals of g...
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    Freudenberg acquires FRICTins’ technology for low-friction powertrain and chassis components
    Germany-based Freudenberg Technology Group, in a press release issued yesterday, has announced the acquisition of the activities of the FRICTins GmbH start-up. This includes in particular the technology developed by FRICTins to improve the friction coefficient of automotive components. This enables components to be made more lightweight and compact. It also permits up to five times more shear forces and torque to be transmitted through the component. FRICTins uses a hard particle coating proc...
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    Freudenberg Sealing Technologies developing conductive seals to prevent bearing damage
    The Germany-based seal manufacturer Freudenberg Sealing Technologies, a subsidiary of the Freudenberg Group, is involved with the development of a new generation of conductive seals that can prevent damage to bearings caused as a result of electricity and electromagnetic radiation. These new seals are also reported to form a more durable electrical connection between shafts and housings. Significance: Although the shafts used in electric powertrains are insulated from their housings, AC,...
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    Freudenberg Sealing Technologies develops new composite materials for transmission components
    Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FST) has developed PEEK (polyether ether ketone) compounds, polymers which are used in applications that produce extremely high operating temperatures, according to a company press release on 9 July. The new high-performance plastics (HPP) material is suitable for applications for sealing rings and thrust washers used in automatic transmissions. The new material enables lower wear, lower friction and lower temperature development. Significance: The new m...
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    Freudenberg continues expansion in China; investments up 29% y/y in 2018
    Freudenberg continues its expansion in China; the company generated sales of CNY8.5 billion (USD1.2 billion) from China in 2018, up 2.9% year-on-year (y/y), according to a company press release on 29 May. The company also increased its investment in the country; Freudenberg invested nearly CNY300 million in 2018, up 29% y/y. “Continued investment in high-tech manufacturing infrastructure, local R&D facilities and new acquisitions are integral to the group’s long-term approach and innovat...
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    Freudenberg Sealing Technologies’ COO Dieter Schäfer to retire in June
    Freudenberg Sealing Technologies has announced that its chief operating officer (COO) Dieter Schäfer will retire on 30 June 2019, according to a company press release last week (17 April). Schäfer has agreed to consult with the company for an additional two years upon his retirement. Theodore Duclos will take over Schäfer’s responsibilities as COO and will be responsible for operations, lean, supply chain management, and purchasing areas. “We thank Dieter Schäfer for his ext...
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    Freudenberg’s FY 2018 net profit down 15.1% y/y to USD632.7 million
    Germany-based Freudenberg has reported a 15.1% year-on-year (y/y) decline in net profit to EUR553.2 million (USD632.7 million) for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2018, according to a company press release on 10 April. sales for the period grew 1.7% y/y to EUR9.4 billion, driving a 3.8% y/y growth in profit from operations to EUR828.6 million. Geographically, sales Europe, Asia and Africa/ Australia grew, while sales declined in North, South and Central America. Sales in Germany rose 5.3% y...
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    Freudenberg develops lightweight materials that offer electromagnetic shielding
    Freudenberg Performance Materials and Freudenberg Sealing Technologies have teamed up to develop lightweight materials that offer electromagnetic shielding, according to a company press release on 9 April. The company has developed two processes that can be used to achieve good shielding in the frequency range of 150 kHz to 100 MHz – a spread especially relevant to the drivetrains of electric vehicles. Freudenberg Performance Materials has developed a nonwoven, which when combined with a light...
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    Freudenberg Performance Materials starts new production line for car headliners in China
    Freudenberg Performance Materials, a part of Germany-based Freudenberg Group, has started operations at a new production line at its plant in Suzhou (China) to produce car headliners, the company said in a press release on 5 March. The new production line is expected to help the German supplier meet rising demand for high-quality headliners in China and Southeast Asia. The new facility increases Freudenberg’s annual capacity for technical textiles at Suzhou to 8 million square meters. The Suzh...
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    Freudenberg acquires majority stake in XALT Energy
    Freudenberg Sealing Technology (FST) has acquired a majority stake in lithium-ion battery technology company XALT Energy, the company announced in a press release on 4 February. Under the agreement, Freudenberg has the option of acquiring all remaining shares of XALT Energy over the next few years. Freudenberg has invested multi-million dollars in acquiring the additional shares which will be used to “revitalize production capabilities at the company’s Midland (United States) production...
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    Freudenberg develops new sealing material for EV battery housing
    Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies has developed a new silicone-based sealing material for electric vehicle (EV) battery housing, according to a company press release yesterday (27 November). The new material complies with an international flammability standard adopted for the EV market in China. The company informed that these materials have been formulated to meet the toughest flammability testing standards and will help automotive manufacturers meet a new level of thermal management and occ...
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    Freudenberg Sealing Technologies develops new sealing technology for fuel cells
    Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FST) has developed special seals for increasing efficiency of fuel cells, the company announced in a press release on 9 October. The seals are attached directly to the gas diffusion layer and facilitate very thin cell designs. FST is working with a German supplier of fuel cell modules to develop seals for gas diffusion layers and fuel cells to series-production readiness. “In fuel cells, gas diffusion layers from Freudenberg ensure that hydrogen [as an energy ...
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    Vibracoustic develops new air spring concepts
    Vibracoustic has developed new air spring concepts that can significantly increase ride comfort for passengers in a vehicle, according to a company press release yesterday (16 August). The new air spring concepts are capable of switching between up to four different degrees of stiffness through intelligent switching, which makes driving more comfortable and safer.  Significance: According to Vibracoustic, the vehicle drivetrain is the main source of unwanted vibrations and noise, pa...
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    Freudenberg Sealing Technologies develops bonding agent for exhaust gas treatment systems
    Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FST) has developed a new bonding agent to improve the precision and long-term stability of exhaust gas treatment systems, says a company press release on 3 July. The new agents can be used in the armatures of magnetic valves and in diaphragm springs as well as in other components that come directly into contact with reducing agents. The seals in conveying units, which conduct the urea solution from the tank to the dosing unit, can benefit from the new binding ag...
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    Freudenberg showcases EV battery and fuel cell solutions at trade show in China
    Freudenberg is showcasing its electric vehicle (EV) battery and fuel cell solutions at China International Battery Fair (CIBF) 2018 this week in Shenzhen, the company announced in a press release on 21 May. Freudenberg Group’s three companies, Freudenberg Performance Materials (FPM), NOK-Freudenberg (China), and Freudenberg Filtration Technologies (FFT) are jointly showcasing their products at the event. FPM is showcasing its safety separator for lithium-ion batteries, DIAvent sealing ...
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    Freudenberg showcases sealing solutions at the International CTI Symposium in US
    Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FST) showcased a portfolio of sealing solutions at the 12th International CTI Symposium in the United States, according to a press release on 14 May. The solutions are related to dealing with issues such as friction, heat, pressure, installation space and efficiency. Some of the products on display include Freudenberg’s Simmerring Shaft Seal with Electrically Conductive Nonwoven Material, DIAvent pressure compensation element. “The automotive industr...
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    Battery Show Europe 2018: Freudenberg showcases solutions for electric motors, batteries
    Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FST) has showcased a number of solutions related to battery safety, thermal management and efficiency at the Battery Show Europe 2018 in Hannover (Germany), the company announced in a press release on 14 May. The exhibits for lithium-ion batteries include curve gaskets, offset seals, flat seals and two-component plug & seals. Battery thermal management solutions included thermally conductive plastic housings, fixation elements for pouch cells, the new p...
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    Beijing Motor Show 2018: Freudenberg to showcase e-mobility, powertrain solutions
    German auto component maker Freudenberg is showcasing its e-mobility and powertrain solutions at the Beijing Motor Show 2018 in China, the company announced in a press release on 24 April. The company is displaying solutions such as sealing technologies for thermal management of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, suspension technologies for EVs, cabin air filters, and safety diaphragms for batteries. "By 2030, we expect that about 30% of the vehicles will be powered by electric powertrains, inc...
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    Freudenberg's 2017 net sales up 22% y/y to USD10.6 billion
    Germany-based Freudenberg has reported a growth of 22% year-on-year (y/y) in sales to EUR9.3 billion (USD10.6 billion) for the year ended 31 December 2017, according to a company press release on 17 April. Consolidated profit for the year stood at EUR700.1 million, which is up from EUR519 million in 2016. In 2017, Freudenberg invested a total of about EUR670 million, which included EUR170 million in acquisitions and about EUR500 million in production plants, tangible assets, buildings and intang...
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    Freudenberg to acquire German floor mats supplier Hanns Glass
    Freudenberg's Japan Vilene Company has inked an agreement to acquire Hanns Glass, a Germany-based automotive floor mats supplier, according to a company press release on 7 February. The transaction is subject to approval from the German federal cartel office and is expected to be completed in the second quarter of this year. Significance: The acquisition will expand Freudenberg's car floor mat business. Established in 1960, Japan Vilene Company is one of the leading manufacturers of nonwovens...
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    Freudenberg joins German project for series production of fuel cells
    German auto component maker Freudenberg’s subsidiary Freudenberg Performance Material (FPM) has joined a state-supported project ‘Autostack Industry’ for series production of fuel cells, the company announced in a press release today (8 February). The project will receive financial support of EUR21.3 million (USD26.5 million) from the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure. The project aims to bring fuel cell technology to a maturity level ready for industrial production ...
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    Freudenberg develops fluorinated rubber for powertrain sealing applications
    Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies has developed a new family of proprietary fluorinated rubber for powertrain sealing applications, according to a company press release on 6 December. The materials, which took four years to develop, can be used in applications such as electric vehicle systems and fuel cells as well as new internal combustion engine designs. “We know our customers are being challenged on multiple fronts to develop innovative vehicle system solutions, and we are working wi...
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    IAA 2017: Freudenberg to showcase e-mobility, emission control solutions
    Freudenberg is showcasing its innovative electro-mobility (e-mobility) and emission control solutions at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Germany, the company announced in a press release last week. The company is displaying its safety separator for lithium-ion batteries, gas diffusion layers (GDL), special filter solutions for fuel cells, low-emission sealing solutions for combustion engine and a filter concept for air conditioning. “The world is changing and we already have t...
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    Freudenberg showcases e-mobility solutions at 2017 North American Battery Show
    German auto component maker Freudenberg will showcase its solutions for the electro-mobility (e-mobility) segment at the 2017 Battery Show North America in the United States, the supplier announced in a press release on 11 September. The solutions will include components for thermal management, power efficiency, friction reduction, weight reduction and compact installation spaces, the company said. “Our job is to understand e-mobility performance requirements and quickly develop safe, effec...
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    Freudenberg to build new plant in India
    Freudenberg has announced plans to build a new production plant in India with an investment of approximately EUR15 million (USD16.7 million), according to a company press release last week (19 May). The company expects to start the construction work for the new plant, to be located near India’s Chennai city, in the autumn of this year. The plant, which will span across an area of more than 56,000 square meters, will produce sealing solutions for the automotive industry, among other products. T...
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    New EU-funded project aims to advance manufacturing capability for fuel cell stacks
    A new program in Europe, called ‘DIGIMAN’, aims to advance manufacturing capability for fuel cell stacks, reports news website Green Car Congress. The total cost of the project, which is funded by the European Union (EU), is EUR3.5 million (USD3.8 million) and includes members such as CEA Tech-Liten, Toyota Motor Europe, Freudenberg, University of Warwick, Intelligent Energy Limited  and Pretexo. While CEA Tech-Liten will lead the coordination, UK-based Intelligent Energy will be the te...
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    Freudenberg may consider IPO for Vibracoustics – report
    Germany-based auto parts supplier Freudenberg will take a decision regarding coming with an initial public offering (IPO) of its automotive vibration control technology unit Vibracoustic by the end of 2017, reports Reuters citing the company’s CEO Mohsen Sohi. Freudenberg will remain a long-term anchor shareholder in Vibracoustic, even after a possible IPO.   Significance: In July last year, Freudenberg acquired 50% in Vibracoustic, which was previously a 50:50 joint-venture with ...
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    Freudenberg sales up 13.5% y/y to USD9.1 billion in 2016
    German auto component supplier Freudenberg has reported a year-on-year (y/y) growth of 13.4% in its sales to EUR8.6 billion (USD9.1 billion) for the year ended 31 December 2016. Freudenberg’s consolidated profit nearly doubled y/y to EUR1.1 billion, from EUR522 million in 2015. The company said the improvements were mainly the result of higher sales, efficiency improvements and also acquisitions of Vibracoustic and Japan Vilene Company. “We are on track to becoming one of the most innovative...
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    Freudenberg invests in new cabin filter production line in US
    Germany-based supplier Freudenberg Filtration Technologies (FFT) has opened a new cabin air filter production line at its manufacturing facility in Hopkinsville, Kentucky (United States), the company said in a press release on 2 February. "We are delighted that this year-long project is complete, and we can continue to provide the world-class product made by our dedicated Hopkinsville workforce to our North American customers," said Barry Kellar, FFT’s global vice president for Automotive F...
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    NAIAS 2017: Freudenberg-NOK displays sealing solutions
    Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies is showcasing its fuel-efficient sealing solutions at the 2017 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, United States, says a company press release. The company’s display at the show includes lightweight front cover housing with integrated seals, an automated vision control inspection system and PTFE-coated O-rings that improve assembly capabilities and part traceability. The company’s Gaskets Lead Center facility in Manchester manufactu...
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    Freudenberg-NOK expands US plant
    Freudenberg-NOK has expanded its plant in Morristown, Indiana (United States), says a company press release. The company has completed 20,000-square foot expansion to the existing 65,000-square foot facility. The company invested over USD13 million in facilities and equipment for expansion, which is likely to create 75 new jobs at the site. The expansion includes new manufacturing space, a product test lab, a tool fabrication shop and updated metrology area. Significance: Freudenberg-NOK Seal...
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    Freudenberg JV starts new production line for car headliner in China
    Freudenberg & Vilene Nonwovens, a joint-venture (JV) between Freudenberg Performance Materials and Japan Vilene Company, has commenced operations at a production line for car headliners at its Suzhou plant in eastern China, Freudenberg said in a press release on 13 September. The expansion is expected to help Freudenberg & Vilene Nonwovens meet growing demand for high-quality car roof lining and printed products in China. The JV claims to be the only supplier in China with its own pri...
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    Freudenberg unveils innovative sealing solutions
    Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FST) has unveiled innovative sealing solutions that help reduce emission and improve fuel economy, says a company press release. The company has expanded its Low Emission Sealing Solution (LESS) line-up to include new products designed to tackle challenges associated with powertrain friction, smaller spaces, lighter weight vehicles and growth in the field of electric mobility vehicle. The company unveiled its latest sealing solutions such as Levitex gas-lubricat...
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    Trelleborg divests shares in Vibracoustic to Freudenberg
    Trelleborg has completed divestment of all its shares in Vibracoustic to Freudenberg, according to a company press release on 5 July. Trelleborg said it has received the necessary approval from relevant authorities. The company has received a payment of about SEK6.2 billion (USD734.5 million). Trelleborg says the remaining 10% of the purchase price is subject to Vibracoustic’s forecast sales performance in 2016 and 2017, based on which the final consideration may be either higher or lower than...
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    Freudenberg opens new plant in Turkey
    Freudenberg Sealing Technologies has inaugurated a new plant in Bursa, Turkey. According to a company press release last month, the plant will support the production of various sealing solutions for a wide range of sectors including automotive, agriculture, energy and mobile machinery industries. “With this investment of EUR10 million [around USD11.13 million] in Bursa, we have created one of the most advanced plants in our global production network and nearly doubled our capacity locally,...
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    Freudenberg Sealing Technologies increases production capacity in Hungary
    Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FST) has completed expansion at its plant in Kecskemét, Hungary, said a company press release on 1 July. The company invested approximately EUR4 million (USD4.4 million) in the plant to double its production space for innovative sealing solutions to about 6,000 square metres.  The expansion is likely to create 75 new jobs in the region. "In Kecskemét, we have established one of the most modern factories in our worldwide production network. Thanks to advan...
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    Freudenberg to present separators with ceramic impregnation for lithium-ion batteries at battery fair in China
    Freudenberg Performance Materials is presenting high-performance separators with ceramic impregnation for lithium-ion batteries at the China International Battery Fair during 24-26 May in Shenzhen, China, states a press release. Significance: The separator consists of an ultra-thin PET nonwoven, impregnated with ceramic particles which remains stable at temperatures of up to several hundred degrees Celsius and does not shrink. According to the report, the separator has been successfully test...
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    Freudenberg presents separators with ceramic impregnation for lithium-ion batteries at battery fair in China
    Freudenberg Performance Materials is presenting high-performance separators with ceramic impregnation for lithium-ion batteries at the China International Battery Fair during 24-26 May in Shenzhen, China, states a press release. Significance: The separator consists of an ultra-thin PET nonwoven, impregnated with ceramic particles which remains stable at temperatures of up to several hundred degrees Celsius and does not shrink. According to the report, the separator has been successfully tested ...
    News
    Suppliers to the new Nissan Kicks
    If you would like your company included in this feature, or the car cutaways published in Automotive News or Automotive News Europe, please e-mail james.clark@ihs.com.This cutaway represents a subset of the European and NAFTA supply base information held in the SupplierBusiness Who Supplies Whom Database. Please click here for more information on this product.
    Insights
    Trelleborg to sell shares in TrelleborgVibracoustic to Freudenberg
    Trelleborg has signed an agreement to sell its shares in TrelleborgVibracoustic to Freudenberg. Trelleborg said in a press release on 7 April that the transaction is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2016, and is effective from 1 January 2016. “TrelleborgVibracoustic has successfully integrated two global leaders within automotive antivibration solutions, and in the process delivered significant synergies, improved its footprint and strengthened its positions over the past year...
    News
    Trelleborg-Freudenberg JV TrelleborgVibracoustic to be called Vibracoustic
    TrelleborgVibracoustic, the joint-venture between Trelleborg and Freudenberg,  has been renamed as Vibracoustic, the company announced in a press release on 5 April. The renaming is with immediate effect for the holding company, while the subsidiaries will be renamed gradually over the coming months, using the affix “A company of the Vibracoustic Group” for the time being. Significance: TrelleborgVibracoustic, established in 2012, has undergone several changes in the past few months...
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    LANXESS, Saudi Aramco complete joint-venture for synthetic rubber
    LANXESS and Saudi Aramco have completed their 50-50 joint-venture (JV) for synthetic rubber, ARLANXEO. The company announced in a press release on Friday (1 April) that Saudi Aramco’s subsidiary, Aramco Overseas Holdings Coöperatief U.A., received 50% share in the JV, while LANXESS received cash proceeds of about EUR1.2 billion (USD1.4 billion) in return. LANXESS plans to invest around EUR400 million (USD454.2 million) of the proceeds from the transaction in organic growth, while another ...
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    Freudenberg Sealing Technologies expands Germany facility
    Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FST) has invested approximately EUR10 million (USD11.2 million) in its Oberwihl site in Germany, the company said in a press release yesterday (21 March). The site manufactures O-rings for automotive and industrial customers. Commenting on investment, Claus Möhlenkamp, CEO of Freudenberg Sealing Technologies, said, "This investment in our facility represents a clear commitment to Oberwihl. With new production capacity, we are well positioned to face increasingl...
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    Kluber Lubrication to invest USD16.3 million to upgrade facility in India
    Kluber Lubrication India, a group company of Freudenberg, plans to invest INR1.1 billion (USD16.3 million, 8 March 2016) to upgrade its production facility in Mysore, Karnataka (India), reports The Economic Times. The move will result in expansion of capacity in the range of over 4,000 tonnes with utilisation reaching  almost full level. "The Indian automotive industry is at an evolutionary stage. There are strong growth opportunities for the industry in India, in the medium term until ...
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    Freudenberg unveils new high-performance material for shock absorbers
    Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FST) has unveiled a new high-performance material for shock absorbers to enable them to function even in extremely low temperatures, as low as 40˚C, according to a company press release. The first series production of the seals is scheduled for 2016. According to the press release, a European automaker is already using seals made of FST’s new material mixture in monotube shock absorbers for SUVs. Significance: FST has been working on developing high-perfo...
    News
    LANXESS, Saudi Aramco to launch rubber JV in April
    LANXESS and Saudi Aramco will launch their joint-venture (JV) for synthetic rubber on 1 April this year, according to a company press release. The two companies have received clearance from the relevant anti-trust authorities and have named the JV ARLANXEO. LANXESS’ chairman of the board of management, Matthias Zachert, will also be the chairman of the shareholders’ committee of ARLANXEO. The JV’s management team is yet to be appointed. The JV will be headquartered in Netherlands. ...
    News
    LANXESS to raise chloroprene rubber, adhesives grades prices in January
    LANXESS plans to raise its prices for chloroprene rubber and adhesive grades globally, effective 1 January, said a company press release. The price increase will be EUR250 (USD270) per metric ton. The chloroprene rubber related business is a part of LANXESS's High Performance Elastomers segment. Significance: The price adjustment reflects the general market and cost development of the past 12 months. LANXESS offers chloroprene elastomers under the brand name Baypren. Chloroprene elastomers a...
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    Freudenberg to transfer 50% shareholding in enmech to JV partner NOK
    Freudenberg will transfer its 50% shareholding in enmech GmbH & Co KG, and enmech Hungary Bt, to its joint-venture (JV) partner NOK, according to a press release on 16 December. The transaction is effective from 1 January 2016. Freudenberg holds a 25.1% stake in Japan-based NOK. enmech, a JV between Freudenberg and NOK formed in 2002, produces mechatronic solutions based on large, flexible circuit boards including connector technology. Post the transfer of shares, NOK will merge enmech i...
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    The Indian Automotive Supply Base
    Speed bumps The supplierindustry has had to manoevre a couple of rough patches in the recent past, especially in FY 2008/09, during the global economic slowdown, and more recently in FY 2013/14, owing to a slowdown in economy and vehicle sales and production in India. According to an estimate, more than 40% of production capacity remained unused during 2012-2014 due to subdued demand for new vehicles. The commercial vehicle industry has had a relatively tougher time with production declining...
    Insights
    Management changes (Issue 9, 2015)
    Accuride has announced several changes in its senior management team, the company said in a press release. The company has appointed Scott D. Hazlett as president, Wheels business unit, Gregory A. Risch as president, Gunite and Michael A. Hajost as senior vice-president and chief financial officer (CFO). All three senior executives will report to Rick Dauch, president of Accuride. Hazlett will be responsible for integrating Gianetti Ruote joint-venture and global growth of Accuride’s Wheels bu...
    Insights
    TrelleborgVibracoustic announces changes in management board
    Freudenberg´s 50:50 joint venture, TrelleborgVibracoustic, has announced certain changes to its senior management team, says a press release. The company has appointed Dr Jörg Böcking as the chief technology officer (CTO), effective 1 January 2016. Böcking will be replacing Jim Law, who will now work as senior advisor before retiring in 2016. Prior to the new position, Böcking worked as group CTO at Freudenberg & Co and was responsible for corporate R&D, innovation strategy and new ...
    News
    Management changes (Issue 8, 2015)
    Alcoa has appointed Roy Harvey, executive vice-president, Human Resources and Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability, as new president of Global Primary Products (GPP. In his new role, Harvey will succeed Bob Wilt, effective immediately. Allison Transmission Holdings has appointed Michael A. Dick as senior vice-president, operations and purchasing, replacing David L. Parish, according to a company press release. Dick’s appointment is effective 1 January 2016. He has been working wi...
    Insights
    Freudenberg-NOK receives first major order for frictionless automotive engine seals
    Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies has received the first major order for its new generation of frictionless automotive engine seals, Levitex, according to a press release from Freudenberg Sealing Technologies. The company will supply Levitex seals to a major Europe-based original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for use on an engine for a global platform in 2017. Freudenberg-NOK did not disclose which OEM would use the seals. Initially, the company will produce Levitex seals in Europe, with plans...
    News
    Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies appoints Matthew L. Portu as new president
    Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FST) has announced senior management changes, says a press release. The company has promoted Dr. Theodore G. Duclos as chief technology officer (CTO) at FST. Duclos will also become member of the company’s management board, effective 1 January 2016. In his new role, Duclos will be responsible for technology, quality, components, and the Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) field. He joined Freudenberg Group in September 1996 as corporate director technolog...
    News
    Mergers and acquisitions (Issue 7, 2015)
    Acquirer Acquired Business Sector Comment Autoliv MACOM “Automotive Solutions” Active Safety Autoliv completed the acquisition of US-based MACOM technology Solutions’ “Automotive Solutions” business. The deal has been finalised at USD100 million in cash, with additional USD30 million in cash based on achievement of reven...
    Insights
    Freudenberg invests USD3.3 million in Kaiserslautern plant in Germany
    Freudenberg inaugurated a pilot line at its Kaiserslautern plant (Germany) with an investment of EUR3 million (USD3.3 million, 4 September 2015), the company said in a press release last week (4 September). The pilot lines at the plant focus on developing and testing new spunlaid manufacturing process before they are transferred to production plants. The new pilot line has taken over one of Freudenberg’s current projects to its next stage of development.     The company’s ...
    News
    TrelleborgVibracoustic plans launching IPO
    TrelleborgVibracoustic, a 50:50 joint-venture (JV) between Trelleborg and Freudenberg, plans to launch initial public offering (IPO), reports Rubber & Plastic News. All internal and legal matters associated with the IPO are completed at Trelleborg and Freudenberg. “Internal and legal matters associated with the IPO are begin done. So it would be a matter of pressing a button if we were to go with that option” said company spokesperson. The report stated that Trelleborg will most like...
    News
    Mann+Hummel agrees to buy Affinia's auto filter unit
    Germany-based Mann+Hummel has agreed to acquire Affinia's auto filter unit, according to a statement from the US-based company. The statement follows a Reuters report speculating on the potential sale and citing USD1.3-1.4 billion as the purchase price. The company has not disclosed the purchase price as yet. The unit also reportedly attracted interest from US-based Donaldson, France's Valeo, and Germany's Freudenberg, according to sources familiar with the issue. In a statement, Affinia Group p...
    News
    Mann+Hummel considering buying US-based Affinia's auto filter unit for USD1.3-1.4 billion – report
    Mann+Hummel is considering acquiring US-based Affinia's auto filter unit for USD1.3 billion-USD1.4 billion, said a Reuters report yesterday (16 August). The asset also attracted interest from US-based Donaldson, France's Valeo, and Germany's Freudenberg, said people familiar with the news. Affinia is the former replacement parts business of Dana, which sold the unit to Cypress and co-investor OMERS in 2004 for USD1.1 billion. The filtration business, which specialises in aftermarket oil, fu...
    News
    Freudenberg Group opens new plant in Mysore, India
    Freudenberg Group has inaugurated a new plant in Mysore, Karnataka (India), the Germany-based diverse supplier said in a press release. The new plant, spread over an area of 17,000 square metres, share the site with an existing plant of Klüber India, a company of the Freudenberg Group. The German supplier invested INR1.35 billion (USD21 million) in new plant which has production facilities, labs and warehouse. It will produce various specialty lubricating oils, greases, pastes, aerosols and rel...
    News
    Freudenberg-NOK to expand US facility
    Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies, a joint-venture between Freudenberg and Japan-based NOK, plans to expand its manufacturing facility in Morristown, Indiana (United States), according to a press release yesterday (11 June). The company is planning a 20,000-square foot expansion of the existing 65,000-square foot facility. The company plans to add 75 production, supervisory and administrative employees to the already existing 266 employees over the next five years. Freudenberg-NOK anticip...
    News
    LANXESS supplies eco EPDM rubber to Freudenberg Sealing Technologies for automotive applications
    LANXESS is supplying its bio-based Keltan Eco EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene monomer) to Freudenberg Sealing Technologies, the company said in a press release. The Keltan Eco EPDM contains up to 70% of ethylene obtained from sugarcane. LANXESS claims this bio-based EPDM to be as good as the conventional EPDM. “Besides the well-recognised technical performance of Keltan EPDM polymers, Keltan Eco EPDM reduces our dependency on fossil resources and, because it is obtained from renewable sugarcane...
    News
    Investments (Issue 4, 2015)
    Company Region Area of operation Investment Comment BorgWarner South Korea Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valves and coolers, variable force solenoids, diesel cold-start technologies and coolant control valves. - BorgWarner has opened a new 64,000-square foot facility in Chungju, South ...
    Insights
    Freudenberg to invest USD40.7 million in office building in Germany
    The Freudenberg Group has announced plans to invest EUR36 million (USD40.7 million) in a modern office and administration building at the company's Weinheim site in Germany, said a company press release on 5 May. The facility, to be spread over around 14,000 square metres, will include a total of 800 ultra-modern workplaces for employees, a conference centre with the latest media technology and an auditorium for 400 people. The new building will provide workplaces for office employees already wo...
    News
    Freudenberg-NOK to expand automotive sealing facility in US
    Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies plans to expand its facility in Findlay, Ohio (United States) with an investment of USD8.6 million, says a press release. The company will expand the factory by 43,000 square feet and upgrade equipment. The expansion, due for completion in 2015, will create 25 additional jobs, and retain 148 present employees. The company is awaiting clearance from all Ohio workforce and incentive programmes, after  which the construction work will start. The company wil...
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    Freudenberg's net profit up 19% y/y to USD580.7 million in 2014
    In the financial year ended 31 December 2014, Freudenberg's net profit increased 19.8% y/y to EUR477.8 million (USD580.7 million, 31 December 2014), says a company press release. Operating profit grew from EUR457.3 million (USD629.5 million, 31 December 2013) to EUR563.4 million (USD684.8 million). Sales grew 5.9% y/y to EUR5.98 billion (USD7.26 billion). Sales to automotive OEMs were 25% of the total sales. Geographically, sales in Germany totalled EUR1.08 billion (USD1.31 billion), Europea...
    News
    Freudenberg JV invests in new production line at Chinese plant
    Freudenberg & Vilene Nonwovens, a joint-venture (JV) between Freudenberg Performance Materials and Japan Vilene Company, is investing in a new production line at its Suzhou plant in Jiangsu Province (China), to produce automotive headliners, the company said in a press release. The new production line is scheduled to start operations in summer 2016. The additional capacity is expected to help Freudenberg & Vilene Nonwovens meet growing demand for headliners in China where OEMs prefer...
    News
    Freudenberg-NOK teams with US DOE on EV charging stations
    Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies will install four additional electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at its headquarters in Plymouth, Michigan (United States) as part of the Workplace Charging Challenge Pledge, spearheaded by the US Department of Energy (DOE), according to a press release. The company, a joint-venture between Germany-based Freudenberg and Japan-based NOK, already operates two charging stations at its headquarters. "We're proud to support the development of electric...
    News
    Sigma Freudenberg NOK to set up plant in India to produce oil seals
    Sigma Freudenberg NOK will open a plant at Basma, near Rajpura in Punjab, India today (4 February) with an investment of INR1.85 billion (USD29 million), reports Auto Car Professional. The new facility is spread across 40 acres and has 250,000 square feet of covered area. This will be SFN’s second plant in Basma. JD Singh, chairman, Sigma Group said, “The second unit will meet the growing demand of oil seals in various sectors including automotive, agriculture, construction, mining, power an...
    News
    Freudenberg introduces safer battery technology for EVs in China
    Freudenberg AG has developed a battery separator made from non-woven material, which reduces the risk of fire – currently a major problem with lithium (Li-ion) batteries – the company has said in a statement sent directly to IHS Automotive. The non-woven separator allows ions to flow more freely and is highly fire-resistant. "Our new separator material came out of a challenge we set ourselves to identify the root causes of safety issues with lithium batteries and to eliminate them at source,...
    News
    TrelleborgVibracoustic expands Yantai plant in China
    TrelleborgVibracoustic, a global supplier of noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) solutions, has inaugurated its expanded production base in Yantai, Shandong province, China, the supplier company said in a statement sent directly to IHS Automotive. With total investment of CNY200 million (USD32.7 million), the anti-vibrations solutions (AVS) supplier has added 8,000 square metres, which makes the Yantai site 16,000 square metres in size. The plant, which employs 380 workers, includes research a...
    News
    Trelleborg’s third-quarter net income up 53% y/y to USD80 million
    Trelleborg has reported a 53% year-on-year (y/y) increase in net income to SEK583 million (USD80.3 million) for the third quarter ended 30 September 2014, compared with the same quarter of the previous year, according to the company’s press release. The company's operating profit was also up by 38% y/y to SEK844 million (USD116.3 million). The group's total sales were up by 6% y/y to SEK5.6 billion (USD771.5 million) in the third quarter of 2014. By segments, Trelleborg Wheel Systems sale...
    News
    Freudenberg-NOK adopts high temperature alloy (HTA) metal materials for automotive use
    Freudenberg-NOK has developed a new use of high temperature alloy (HTA) metal materials in automotive applications, says a company press release. The material was originally developed and used by the aerospace industry and will now be used by the company for its stamped gaskets product division. “We saw the properties of HTA materials fit the needs of our automotive customers, so we were able to adapt the metals for our gaskets”, said Charlie Spurrell, lead center manager of stamped gask...
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