EnPro Buying Motorwheel Commercial Vehicle Systems

April 17, 2012
Acquisition creates complete package of brake system components, wheel-end products

There is more evidence of strategic consolidation in the industrial supply chain: EnPro Industries Inc. is buying Motorwheel Commercial Vehicle Systems Inc., uniting a general industrial holding with a producer of engineered brake components for heavy-duty trucks and commercial vehicles.

The value of the cash purchase was not disclosed. The seller is Precision Partners Holding Co., a private equity group. EnPro indicated it would organize Motorwheel as part of its Stemco product line.

Stemco manufactures components for heavy- and medium-duty truck and trailer markets, specializing commercial vehicle wheel-end components, and braking and suspension components.

EnPro also manufacturers specialty sealing products, metal polymer and filament wound bearings, components for reciprocating compressors, diesel and dual-fuel engines, among other products. It has manufacturing plants in North and South America, Europe, and Asia, and over 5,000 workers.

Livonia, Mich.-based Motorwheel has plants in Berea, Ky., and Chattanooga, Tenn., with 136 employees. Its primary product is the CentriFuse brake drum, but it manufactures various lightweight brake drums for trucks and commercial vehicles; truck wheel-end assemblies; and cast brake drums for military vehicles. EnPron noted Motorwheel’s patented technology produces a wear-resistant, lightweight braking surface that contributes to trucks’ fuel efficiency.

Motorwheel also produces fasteners for wheel-end applications, and offers product development, testing and certification, and distribution services. It will be managed as part of the Stemco operations in EnPro’s Sealing Products segment.

“The addition of Motorwheel’s drums and other products enables Stemco to offer its customers a complete package of brake system components and wheel-end products,” stated EnPro president and CEO Steve Macadam. “We are quite excited about the possibilities this acquisition creates as Stemco leverages its distinctive go-to-market strategy and large distribution network to offer Motorwheel’s products to both fleet operators and original equipment manufacturers. ”

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