Name: Arvin Meritor 

Address: 2135 West Maple Road  

City: Troy, Michigan  

Phone Number: (248) 435-1000   

CEO:  Larry Yost

Products: Automotive  

Employees: 2000   

      ArvinMeritor, Inc. recently opened its North American Information Technology (IT) Center in Columbus, Ind. The IT center is the major hub of the company’s network of worldwide information technology capabilities that includes companion sites in Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Sao Paulo, Brazil; and Troy, Mich. The 48,000-square-foot facility employs more than 100 people.

      “The North American Information Technology Center serves as the worldwide computing operation and supports ArvinMeritor’s business unit information technology needs throughout the corporation,” said Perry Lipe, senior vice president and chief information officer for ArvinMeritor.

      According to Lipe, the center represents an $8.5-million investment for ArvinMeritor. It consolidates Columbus-based information technology resources formerly located in multiple sites into a new, state-of-the art facility.

      “This new facility means a great deal to me, because it represents ArvinMeritor’s ongoing commitment to leading the automotive supply business through the effective use of information technology,” said Larry Yost, ArvinMeritor chairman and CEO.

      “From collaborating on designs, to ordering products, to processing shipments – this facility and its connecting worldwide information network enables ArvinMeritor to substantially increase customer satisfaction. Keeping our customers – and their customers – happy is the best way to continuously grow the business.”

      Local and state government representatives expressed their enthusiasm for the announcement. Fred Armstrong, mayor of Columbus said, “Our heartfelt appreciation goes to ArvinMeritor for choosing to call Columbus the home for their new North American Information Technology Center. This graceful and handsome new building represents more than an addition to the physical resources of Columbus. It signifies our recognition that we are positioning our community to address the challenges of the 21st Century. Just as Columbus is known for our architecture, our community can become known as a showcase for technology.”

      “The Economic Development Board is extremely happy that ArvinMeritor chose to locate its North American Information Technology Center in Columbus, Ind. Their presence in our Info-Tech Park will be a cornerstone for us as we pursue a strategy of attracting additional high-tech companies,” said Tim Tarnowski, vice chairman, Columbus Economic Development Board. “We greatly appreciate ArvinMeritor’s strong and continued commitment to our community.”

      In support of the project, the Indiana Department of Commerce granted up to $1.4 million in Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credits and $100,000 from the Skills Enhancement Fund (SEF). Tim Monger, executive director, Indiana Department of Commerce said, “We are thrilled with this new facility and with ArvinMeritor’s ongoing commitment to Indiana. This has been a great partnership between the state, city and ArvinMeritor – and we look forward to continuing that tradition for years to come.”

      The Department of Commerce awards Skill Enhancement Fund grants to Indiana companies that undertake capital investment projects. The grants help defray the costs of training new and current employees in basic work skills and in the company-specific skills necessary to support the project. EDGE tax credits are based on the creation of new Hoosier jobs and are awarded to companies that may otherwise locate in another state or country.

History

      ArvinMeritor represents the joining of two strong companies and their heritages:

      Arvin Industries Inc. established its reputation as a global manufacturer of automotive components and systems. Arvin consistently ranked as a leading manufacturer of automotive exhaust systems; ride and motion control products; air, oil, and fuel filters and gas-charged lift supports. Its products are sold under various trademarks including Arvin, Maremont, Timax, ANSA and ROSI exhaust systems; Gabriel and RydeFX shock absorbers; Purolator filters and StrongArm gas-charged lift supports.

      Meritor Automotive Inc. established its reputation as a global automotive supplier of a broad range of components and systems for commercial, specialty and light vehicle OEMs and the aftermarket. The Meritor product line consisted of two businesses: Commercial Vehicle Systems, a leading supplier of complete drivetrain systems and components for medium- and heavy-duty trucks, trailers and off-highway equipment and specialty vehicles, including military, bus and coach, and fire and rescue; and Light Vehicle Systems, a major supplier of roof, door, automotive body, access control and suspension systems, and wheel products for passenger cars, light trucks and sport utility vehicles.

      ArvinMeritor is built on a tradition of responsiveness, quality and service. With manufacturing facilities around the world, the company has the scale and scope to provide effective, integrated automotive solutions to customers’ changing needs – when and where they are needed.

      The company has the range of resources and expertise to create a sustainable competitive advantage through our commercial vehicle systems, light vehicle systems and related aftermarket business groups. Sharing the same commitment to process excellence and customer advocacy, the businesses have earned the number one or two position in most markets they serve. This collaborative energy capitalizes on innovative technology and engineering expertise, and drives the company toward a shared vision to be the global automotive supplier of choice.

      Its systems approach takes the complexity out of integration. ArvinMeritor does this by building in component synergy upstream in the design and engineering process, rather than simply reacting to issues that inevitably develop during manufacturing. Its Just-In-Time global logistics network stands ready to tackle the most demanding production scenarios.

      Today, an extensive ArvinMeritor portfolio of complementary products includes undercarriage and aperture systems for passenger vehicles, drivetrain and braking systems for commercial vehicles, as well as air and emissions technologies for both. These highly engineered systems improve performance, reduce design and manufacturing costs, and help customers successfully address the demands of an evolutionary business environment.

      ArvinMeritor, Inc. is a premier $7-billion global supplier of a broad range of integrated systems, modules and components to the motor vehicle industry. The company serves light vehicle, commercial truck, trailer and specialty original equipment manufacturers and related after markets. In addition, ArvinMeritor is a leader in coil coating applications.