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$10M Contract to Create New Jobs at Freudenberg-NOK Indiana Plant

6 November 1998

$10-Million Contract to Create New Jobs at Freudenberg-NOK Indiana Plant

    SCOTTSBURG, Ind., Nov. 6 --  At a contract-signing ceremony
here today, Freudenberg-NOK announced a new $10-million contract with Bosch
Braking Systems of South Bend, Ind., that will add employment and investment
at the Freudenberg-NOK Scottsburg facility over the next several years.
According to David E. Archer, general manager of Freudenberg-NOK's Brake
Products Division headquartered here, approximately 65 employees and about $3
million in capital equipment will be added to the Scottsburg facility to
supply Bosch with molded brake system components -- totaling 26 different
automotive brake system part numbers.
    The new multi-year contract with Bosch -- the world's leading independent
automotive supplier globally headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany -- expands
upon a long-standing European relationship between the companies.
    "Bosch is truly a world leader in automotive braking systems technology,
so we are proud to provide components for these systems in North America, as
we do in other parts of the world," Archer said.  "From our Brake Products
business here in Scottsburg, we expect to provide high-quality components of
the same design, materials and manufacturing processes that our group uses
around the world."
    "We look forward to building a strong relationship with Freudenberg-NOK
that would develop into a true win/win partnership for both companies," said
Frank Gaba, purchasing director of Bosch Braking Systems.
    Production of the safety-critical components, which include brake booster
diaphragms and other parts, will be phased in at the Scottsburg facility
starting in early 1999.
    "Winning this new business is a testament to our Scottsburg associates and
their relentless focus on continuous improvement and customer satisfaction,"
said Tom Julian, Scottsburg plant manager.  "It bodes well for the future of
our employees, our focused factory and the community.  As someone born and
raised here, I'm extremely proud of the Scottsburg team."
    The Scottsburg facility, which houses the Brake Products business, is
expected to have annual sales of approximately $35 million for 1998.  With
64,500 square feet, the facility currently employs some 315 associates in the
production of molded automotive brake components.
    Freudenberg-NOK also has a 20,000-square-foot facility in Scottsburg that
serves the company's general industry business.  In total, Freudenberg-NOK
employs more than 1,250 people at its six Indiana facilities, located in
Scottsburg, Morristown, Shelbyville and Ligonier.
    Through a global network of facilities spanning 24 countries with some
23,000 automotive employees worldwide, the supplier group offers its
automotive customers globally integrated products, including total sealing
packages for brakes, steering, engines and transmissions, NVH (noise,
vibration and harshness) components and modules, and all rubber, plastic and
PTFE components for suspension, electrical and fuel systems.
    The Freudenberg and NOK Group also offers an extensive portfolio of
precision-molded products for the aerospace, appliance, business machine,
fluid power, marine, medical, off-highway equipment and recreational vehicle
markets.  For more information, visit the Freudenberg-NOK web site at
http://www.freudenberg-nok.com.