Freudenberg-NOK executives today officially announced the company will pursue a 43,000-foot factory expansion that could result in retaining 148 jobs and creating 25 new jobs at the plant. Final company decisions are dependent on formal approval of all State of Ohio workforce and incentive programs.
The company expects to invest approximately $8.6 million in construction and equipment upgrades and the expansion and construction will be complete by winter, 2015.
“We are happy to invest in the success of this facility and the greater Findlay community with this construction. We anticipate that this expansion will help us better serve existing and new customers with quality sealing products,” said Dr. Theodore G. Duclos, president, Freudenberg-NOK.
Freudenberg-NOK leaders have worked with JobsOhio, state and local officials on incentives to support the expansion.
“Freudenberg-NOK’s decision to expand its Findlay facility and workforce demonstrates how companies throughout the world view Ohio as a great investment,” said JobsOhio Managing Director Glenn Richardson. “JobsOhio and the Regional Growth Partnership look forward to working closely with Freudenberg-NOK as they expand their presence in Hancock County.”
“Freudenberg-NOK’s decision to expand the Findlay operation is true testimony to the positive business climate and outstanding workforce in Findlay and Hancock County,” said Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development Director Anthony Iriti. “We are proud to be a part of their success and continued investment in our community.”
Findlay maintains nearly perfect statistics in the areas of quality, delivery and customer retention.
Equally important, Findlay has become the company’s lead facility in the successful adoption of a new breakthrough manufacturing approach, Single Cavity Net Shape Molding. The single cavity approach uses compact, custom-engineered one cavity injection and compression molding machines rather than multi-cavity machines to produce crucial thermoplastic parts. The process improves part quality and reduces scrap and waste.
“This project is a tremendous testament to the skills of our people and the success of our processes in Findlay,” said Roy Schroeder, Lead Center Manager, Fluid Power Automotive, Findlay. “This plant expansion will allow us to continue our pursuit of world-class manufacturing processes and products and expand our markets. We are all excited about the opportunities this addition will bring to our facility, and we are looking forward to its completion and the addition of new employees to our plant family.”
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
Filed Under: NEWS • PROFILES • EDITORIALS, Hydraulic equipment + components