In 2008, Fras-le North America, Inc. opened its first U.S. friction materials manufacturing facility in Prattville. The local 208,000 square foot manufacturing facility currently employs 44 employees. Its opening increased their production capacity of disc brake pads by 26 percent.

Fras-le North America, Inc., one of the largest friction material manufacturers in the world, announced today that it will begin producing heavy-duty lining at its friction manufacturing facility in Prattville, Ala. This is the first time that Fras-le has produced heavy-duty brake lining in the U.S.

The US $11 million investment will expand the company's capabilities to supply lining to its customer base for commercial vehicle business in North America. The company's expansion will add new equipment to its Prattville facility and will involve hiring nearly 100 employees in 2012 and 2013.

Currently, Fras-le manufactures brake lining in Brazil for global distribution and in China for distribution in Europe and Asia. The addition of brake lining production in the U.S. will increase Fras-le's global capacity significantly. Fras-le currently manufactures disc brake pads at the Prattville facility.

"Our announcement today demonstrates our expanded commitment to the North American market and our desire to grow the business even more," said Daniel Randon, Fras-le CEO and president. "We appreciate all the support we've received from officials in Prattville to help facilitate our company's expansion. We are excited to be a part of bringing new jobs to the area."

Randon cited Mayor Bill Gillespie and the Prattville Industrial Development Board, led by Chairman Richard Williams, for their help in bringing about the facility expansion.

"During these tough economics times, this announcement is certainly a blessing for our community," said Prattville Mayor Bill Gillespie. "On behalf of the City of Prattville, I applaud Fras-le and their continued growth and expansion. I also want to express my gratitude for their commitment to Prattville. We wish them much continued success in all of their endeavors."

Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce President Jeremy Arthur; Omar Oliveira, Director of North American Operations for Fras-Le; Daniel Randon, Fras-le CEO and president; and Mayor Bill Gillespie, Jr. at the Fras-Le expansion press conference this morning.

Fras-le brake pads and linings , known for their quality and performance features, are available in the North American OE and aftermarket, as well as in more than 80 countries. All of the company's friction products are comprised of application specific formulations, are made from top-quality raw materials and are asbestos-free. Applications include a wide variety of on- and off-highway commercial vehicles, trucks, tractors, trailers, buses, dump trucks, light vehicles and other specialty vehicles and equipment. In North America, Fras-le's heavy-duty brake linings are exclusively distributed by Meritor's Aftermarket group.

Headquartered in Caxias do Sul (RS), Brazil, Fras-le is a Randon Company. Fras-Le is one of the largest friction materials companies in the world and a leader in sales of brake blocks in the North-American market. Fras-Le also maintains a sales office based in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

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