Aug 1, 2006 12:00 PM

ArvinMeritor Inc's commercial axle manufacturing facility in Osasco, Brazil, in the Sao Paulo area has reached its 50th anniversary of operation. The company celebrated with a reception at the facility for customers, employees, suppliers, and community leaders.

“During the past 50 years, the company's Braseixos business and its 1,200 employees have created a world-class axles manufacturing and engineering site, serving commercial vehicle customers around the world,” said Charles G Chip McClure, chairman, chief executive officer, and president.

The Osasco operation began as a jointly managed operation with the Cobrasma Group. In 1987, ArvinMeritor recognized its potential and purchased the entire operation.

“To have the impressive track record of producing over five million steer and drive axles since its inception, and to be one of our flagship operations in continuous improvements and advanced quality and engineering metrics, Braseixos shines brightly among our global axle operations,” said Tom Gosnell, president of Commercial Vehicle Systems.