Freudenberg completes formation of joint venture in antivibration solutions

WEINHEIM, Germany, July 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The new joint venture between the Freudenberg Vibracoustic Business Group and the automotive antivibration activities of Trelleborg is operational as of today. The two companies have formed a global leader for vibration control solutions in the passenger car and commercial vehicle segments, laying the foundations for a viable future. The new joint venture operates under the name of TrelleborgVibracoustic, and both partners hold 50 percent each of the new company. The headquarters will be in Darmstadt, Germany, south of Frankfurt.  

TrelleborgVibracoustic's global position in development, manufacturing and sales will ensure that customers in the automotive industry are served even more effectively in the future. Additionally, the new company will benefit from growth potential and synergies worldwide, strengthening the company's presence in the global automotive sector. This positioning has a significant effect on the company's role as a leading trendsetter for innovative vibration control solutions.

"TrelleborgVibracoustic's expertise in development and manufacturing, its financial solidity and its worldwide presence make the company an indispensable partner for all international customers," emphasized Leesa Smith, Regional Representative of the Freudenberg Group for North America and President of Freudenberg North America Limited Partnership.

The new leading vibration control solutions expert TrelleborgVibracoustic is a formation of two strong partners: Until now, Vibracoustic's products have been aimed at vehicles in the medium-sized and luxury segments, whereas Trelleborg Automotive has a strong market position in the smaller and medium-sized vehicle segments. In bringing the two companies together, growth potential can be optimized, as the new joint venture will be able to supply all vehicle classes.

Hans-Jurgen Goslar, former Vibracoustic Board Chairman, holds the position of Speaker of the Management and together with his colleagues Norbert Schebesta (also Vibracoustic), Jim Law and Lennart Johansson (both Trelleborg), will lead the company into its future.

The Supervisory Board of TrelleborgVibracoustic also has equal representation: three members from Freudenberg and three from Trelleborg Group. Peter Nilsson, CEO of Trelleborg Group, is Chairman of the Supervisory Board.

Approximately 8,000 associates in 17 countries on four continents will work on vibration control solutions for the automotive industry. In the 2011 financial year, the two joint venture partners generated combined sales of 1.45 billion Euros. 

The new joint venture TrelleborgVibracoustic has nine sites in North America: four sites in Michigan including Bloomfield Hills, Plymouth, Benton Harbor and South Haven; and sites in Ligonier, Ind., Manchester, N.H., Sandusky, Ohio, Morganfield, Ky. (2), Carmi, Ill (2). Approximately 800 associates provide engine mounts, MCU-Products, chassis parts and anti-vibration components and systems for vehicles to the North American market.

About the Freudenberg Group
The Freudenberg Group is a family company offering its customers technically challenging product solutions and services. The Group develops and manufactures seals, vibration control components, filters, nonwovens, products for surface treatment, release agents and specialty lubricants, medical and mechatronic products. And especially for mid-size companies Freudenberg develops software solutions and IT services. The end-user can find modern Freudenberg household products in the shops under the brand names of vileda®, O'Cedar®, Wettex®, Gala® and SWASH®. The Freudenberg Group employed over 37,000 people in 58 countries and generated sales of more than U.S. $7.8 billion in 2011. For further information, please go to www.freudenberg.us.

About Freudenberg North America Limited Partnership
Freudenberg North America Limited Partnership, the North American holding company for Freudenberg & Co. of Weinheim, Germany, owns a family of companies that operate 15 unique businesses. Together, these companies provide innovative products and solutions to customers in industries ranging from automotive, aerospace and medical to chemical, oil and gas and construction. Freudenberg North America companies develop and manufacture custom-engineered seals, vibration control technology, filters, nonwovens, release agents, lubricants, expansion joints, household products, and IT software and services. For further information, please go to www.freudenberg.us

About Trelleborg
Trelleborg is a global industrial group whose leading positions are based on advanced polymer technology and in-depth applications know-how. Trelleborg develops high-performance solutions that seal, damp and protect in demanding industrial environments. The Trelleborg Group had annual sales during 2011 of approximately euro 3,2 billion, with about 21,000 employees in 40 countries. The Group comprises four business areas: Trelleborg Engineered Systems, Trelleborg Automotive, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions and Trelleborg Wheel Systems. Trelleborg has been listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange since 1964 and is listed on the OMX Nordic List, Large Cap.  For further information, please go to www.trelleborg.com

SOURCE Freudenberg Group