LAS VEGAS – Meritor Inc. and Fras-le S.A. announced late yesterday that they will be renewing their exclusive five-year commercial supply agreement for brake lining for the U.S. and Canadian commercial vehicle markets.

During the same press conference at the Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week, Fras-le also announced that it will begin producing heavy-duty brake lining at its friction manufacturing plant in Prattville, AL.

It marks the first time that Fras-le will produce heavy-brake lining in North America, and comes with a US$11 million investment that will see an upgrade in manufacturing equipment, as well as the additional hiring of 100 employees in 2012 and 2013.

"We appreciate all the support we’ve received from officials in Prattville to help facilitate our company’s expansion," said Zomar Oliveira, Fras-le North America’s director of operations .

"We are excited to be a part of bringing new jobs to the area."

Meritor and Fras-le have worked together on the development of friction materials for the North American commercial vehicle market for a number of years, and under the renewed agreement, Fras-le will continue to supply friction materials to Meritor for both production and aftermarket consumption.

“Fras-le is excited to continue its strategic partnership with Meritor in North America. We are proud that our commitment to being a global leader in friction technology and innovation has helped Meritor continue its market leadership position in brake systems,” said Zomar Oliveira, Fras-le North America’s director of operations.

Fras-le aftermarket brake lining products are distributed in the U.S. and Canada through Meritor’s North American facilities, including distribution centers in Plainfield, IN, Brampton, ON., and Florence, KY.