ArvinMeritor Inc. will open a new wholly-owned operation in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China. The 300,000-sq-ft facility will initially manufacture trailer axles and suspensions for key trailer manufacturers in China, as well as for export of components to North American and European plants.

Production is estimated to begin in the first half of 2007.

Other drivetrain and brake components will be added to the operation's portfolio as the company continues to pursue its strategic enterprise model.

As the country's infrastructure improves, tractor-trailer configurations are expected to rise exponentially, and we will be ready to support both current and future market needs with advanced technology,?says Sergio Carvalho, vice president and general manager of ArvinMeritor's Trailer Products and Suspensions business.

Investment in the Wuxi operation will include $35 million for new equipment.

The company has identified local sourcing for its components, which furthers its integrated manufacturing strategy to bring all aspects of the supply chain within close proximity of the facility.

Based in Troy, MI, ArvinMeritor is the worldwide market leader for trailer axles and plans to become a major player in China's growing trailer undercarriage market. ArvinMeritor is a premier global supplier of a broad range of integrated systems, modules, and components to the motor vehicle industry.