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Freudenberg-NOK Donates Engine Dynamometer to Wayne State University

21 March 2000

Freudenberg-NOK Donates Engine Dynamometer to Wayne State University

    PLYMOUTH, Mich., March 20 As a by-product of its
commitment to being a technology specialist, Freudenberg-NOK has donated a
200-horsepower electric dynamometer to Wayne State University for use in its
automotive research laboratory, which conducts research and testing on exhaust
emissions and friction losses.
    The dynamometer -- used to test engines and components, including
vibration control devices, seals, pistons, crankshafts and electronics --
provides resistance and simulates road conditions for testing purposes.
    "We were very pleased that Wayne State University -- and future automotive
engineers -- will benefit from the donation of the dynamometer," said Dr.
Theodore G. Duclos, Director of Technology for Freudenberg-NOK.  "Freudenberg-
NOK is committed to driving the development of technology and technical
specialists.  So, Wayne State -- as a training ground for automotive research
and development -- was a natural choice for this donation."
    Freudenberg-NOK acquired two dynamometers in 1999 through its purchase of
Farnum * Meillor and recently purchased a third, state-of-the-art,
dynamometer.  All three units are being installed in the company's new
Technology Concept Center in Plymouth, which is leading development work in
vibration control and sealing technologies.
    "We are very grateful to Freudenberg-NOK for the donation of this accurate
dynamometer; it is the most modern dynamometer we have ever received," said
Dr. Dinu Taraza, professor of mechanical engineering at Wayne State
University.  "We look forward to cooperating with Freudenberg-NOK on future
research projects."
    With the recent demand for increased engine power, the 200-horsepower
donated dynamometer no longer possesses the power needed for Freudenberg-NOK's
testing, Duclos said, although it will meet the university's testing needs.
Wayne State will use the dynamometer for testing and research on engine
dynamics for industry and federal agencies.  The dynamometer, is currently in
route from Freudenberg-NOK's facility in Ligonier, Indiana.
    Plymouth, Mich.-based Freudenberg-NOK is part of the Freudenberg and NOK
Group Companies, which have total annual sales of more than $6.5 billion.
With global automotive sales of approximately $4 billion, the Freudenberg and
NOK Group ranks among the world's top 20 automotive suppliers and is one of
only eight in the top 100 that has global balance in each of the three major
automotive markets -- Asia, Europe and North America.
    Through a global network of facilities spanning 27 countries with some
23,000 automotive employees worldwide, the supplier group offers its
automotive customers globally integrated products, including sealing packages
for transmissions, engines, brakes, axles and steering, NVH (noise, vibration
and harshness) components and packages, 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 .