Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies, a specialist in the analysis and testing of industrial elastomers and plastics, will increase its testing capabilities with the addition of a new materials laboratory at its Findlay, Ohio, USA, manufacturing plant.
The new lab, which is part of an overall plant expansion taking place in 2015, will provide the company’s fluid power division with new material characterization, failure analysis and mechanical property test capabilities. It will also consolidate and expand one of the company’s existing engineering test laboratories at the facility.
Analysis and testing of newly manufactured parts will be carried out inside the new lab. These include thrust washers, seals and other components used in the automotive industry. In addition, the company is installing a new engineering test rig that will measure torque loss. The data will help Freudenberg-NOK further improve its custom-engineered sealing solutions that help to reduce CO2 emissions and improve fuel economy.
The expansion will add 43,000ft² to the existing factory, part of which will be the new lab accounting for approximately 2,000ft² of the total. The project will create 25 new jobs and represents an investment of approximately US$8.6m in construction and equipment upgrades. The new lab (part of the US$8.6 million investment) represents an investment of approximately US$450,000 in equipment and building expenses. It will be complete by winter 2015.
July 2, 2015