TMD Friction has begun production at its new location in Caransebes, Romania, increasing its production capacity by 20 million to about 270 million units per year. TMD Friction says that opening a Romanian facility is part of its expansion strategy into the Eastern European markets.
Initially, the Caransebes plant will produce brake friction parts for the international replacement part market. Production of brake friction parts for original equipment is scheduled to commence in 2009. “The production plant in Caransebes will contribute toward strengthening our position in a very promising market region,” says Derek Whitworth, chief executive officer of TMD Friction.
Romania is considered a growing player in the automotive industry, according to TMD Friction; new vehicle sales in Romania show an increase of about 26 percent compared to the previous year.
“In 2007, almost 5.8 million light vehicles have been produced in Central and Eastern Europe, and the forecast for 2010 sees a growth of approximately 30 percent in this sector,” Whitworth says. “The production increase for commercial vehicles will be even higher. With the new plant in Romania, TMD Friction will take part in this economical success story.”
