DAYTON, OH — Behr America has completed the first phase of a multi-million-dollar expansion plan in Dayton, Ohio, which has the company taking full ownership of Behr Dayton Thermal Products. Previously, Behr Dayton Thermal Products was co-owned by Behr America and DaimlerChrysler Corp., a joint venture that lasted two years.
Behr America, a subsidiary of German company Behr GmbH & Co. KG, supplies engine-cooling and air-conditioning systems to the automotive industry. Behr currently produces engine-cooling modules, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) modules, evaporators, oil coolers, PCV valves, vapor canisters and plastic parts at its Dayton facilities.
Within the next four years, the company expects to add heater cores and certain sub-modules to the lineup. Some product lines might be expanded, the company said.
Hans-Joachim Lange, president of Behr America, said that the company’s investment exceeded $60 million during the past two years, on pace with Behr’s original 2002 plan to spend $100 million to modernize its Dayton manufacturing complex by May of next year.
Lange added that capital spending at the Dayton site is projected to stay on target through the upcoming year. Further investments will occur as Behr Dayton prepares for new business that has been acquired.
“We have booked business of about $800 million that broadens our customer base and will allow us to stabilize employment at our Dayton facilities,” Lange said.
Improvements at the 1.1-million-square-foot complex are expected to be complete by May of 2005. The company plans to invest more than $35 million in facility renovations and $65 million in improved production facilities and new manufacturing technology.
For more information, go to: www.behrgroup.com.
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