Employees at Meritor's Fletcher, N.C. manufacturing facility celebrated the site's 30th year in Henderson County near Asheville on October 27.
The nearly 800 employees manufacture gearing, input shafts and axle housings for commercial trucks, and assemble carriers for truck, specialty vehicle and tactical-wheeled programs.
The milestone is one of many the plant, which originally operated under the Rockwell International banner, has experienced in its three decades of operation. After producing its first axle in 1983, the facility soon became a two-shift operation.
A 105,000-square-foot expansion in 1985 was added to the site to accommodate growing demand. The 1 millionth axle rolled off the line in 1992, and the site produced its 2 millionth axle in 1997.
"Meritor employees have demonstrated the enthusiasm and commitment that has helped us reach these milestones," said Brian Cavagnini, site manager.
The company has invested $29 million during the past three years in the facility, including $6 million in 2012 for a new carburizing furnace, input shaft cell and pinion hard turn installation.
The site earned PACCAR's 50 PPM Award for quality in 2009, 2010 and 2011. In addition, the United Way awarded Meritor employees the 2012 "Spirit of North Carolina" award for their community service.
Employees raised nearly $200,000 for United Way in 2011-12 through contributions, corporate matching gifts and various fundraising activities. Meritor also supports various local health and human services organizations through employee volunteerism.
The Fletcher facility serves customers throughout North America, as well as Brazil, France, Italy, Australia, China and Japan.
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