Dec 1, 2008 12:00 PM

ArvinMeritor Inc. dedicated a new $30 million manufacturing facility in Cienega de Flores, an idustrial city in northern Mexico, in a formal ceremony recently. Equipped with the latest manufacturing technology, the plant is a component production operation offering greater efficiencies and quality components.

The 400,000-square-foot facility, which was completed in just nine months, will eventually employ 500 people. Today it employs 146 persons.

Initially, the plant will produce bevel gearing and front non-drive steer axle assemblies for United States and Canadian truck OEM assembly plants. The components also will support other U.S.-based ArvinMeritor assembly sites. The facility will provide the infrastructure to support targeted growth areas in off-highway components and the commercial vehicle aftermarket.