Sep 1, 2006 12:00 PM

ArvinMeritor Inc will open a new wholly owned operation in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China. The 300,000-square-foot facility will initially manufacture trailer axles and suspensions for key trailer manufacturers in China, as well as for export of components to North American and European plants. Production should begin in the first half of 2007.

Other drivetrain and brake components will be added to the operation's portfolio, as the company continues to pursue its strategic enterprise model.

Investment in the Wuxi operation will include $35 million for new equipment.

The company has identified local sourcing for its components, which furthers its strategy to bring all aspects of the supply chain within close proximity of the facility.