Meritor opens new assembly and R&D facility in India

Meritor, Inc. is opening a new $36.5 million axle assembly facility at Automotive Axles, its joint venture with Kalyani group, along with a research and development center in Mysore, India.

“As our global business continues to grow, the new facilities in India will support Meritor’s M2022 strategic plan to protect and grow our market-leading positions with best-in-class products and services,” said Jay Craig, CEO and president for Meritor. “They are strong assets that will position us for future growth in the region.”

The new assembly facility expands Meritor India’s production capacity by 25%, equipping it to better serve customers in the commercial vehicle, off-highway and defense sectors. The research and development center will focus on end-to-end testing and validation of Meritor’s domestic and global product solutions.

Meritor India’s 18-month project to expand its capacity and capabilities supports the corporation’s M2022 plan by focusing on growing revenue, enhancing profitability, maintaining manufacturing excellence and delivering customer satisfaction, the company said.

Meritor’s joint ventures with the Kalyani Group are Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems (India) Ltd. that builds drivetrain solutions for heavy commercial, military and off-highway applications, and Automotive Axles Ltd., which makes drive and non-drive axles, front steer axles, specialty and defense axles as well as drum and disc brakes.

SmithCo Manufacturing, Inc., a producer of side dump trailers, reached an agreement with Utility Trailer Sales Co. of Arizona, and Bluff Country Ag & Equipment of Minnesota to sell SmithCo’s line of side dump trailers. Bluff Country will also serve parts of western Wisconsin.

“As interest in SmithCo side sumps continues to grow in Arizona, we are excited to add Utility Trailer Sales of Arizona to our SmithCo dealer network,” said Todd Karolczak, SmithCo’s director of sales and marketing. “Customers will appreciate their service capabilities. Utility’s fabulous newer location in the Phoenix area really enhances the customer experience. They are invested in helping customers gain efficiency and safety with top-notch equipment like SmithCo.”