In keeping with the high priority ZF places on research and advanced product development, we are expanding our capabilities in North America with a 148,000 square-foot expansion of our North American Technical Center, located in Northville, Michigan.

When completed, the facility will total 246,000 square feet and house 500 associates, including engineers and sales personnel and serve as the technical center of competence for North America.

The expansion will also combine all ZF research and development personnel under one roof. Currently, all ZF Sachs research and development is done at the ZF Sachs Technical Center in Troy, Mich.

The Northville Technical Center will provide the latest technical capabilities to support the design, development and testing of new products, and adaptation of existing ZF products for the North American automobile market. Representatives from every ZF division that work with North American OEM's are centralized under one roof, to provide a complete systems approach for our customers needs. The North American facility encompasses technology and support from our divisional and advanced corporate technical centers in Europe, in the development of core products

ZF GROUP NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS
TECHNICAL CENTER
NORTHVILLE, MICHIGANKey Figures: (current)
Established: 2000
Employees:187
Size: 152,000sq ft

Address:
15811 Centennial Drive
Northville, MI 48167
Phone: (734) 416-6200
Fax: (734) 416-8331

TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES:

Extensive ball joint & suspension link testing for friction/torque & axial/radial elasticity, wear, fatigue, and sealability.

The transmission test stands are capable of testing input & output power as well as de-coupling on a vast array of transmissions.

The axle road simulator performs tests using a loaded vehicle or RPC data to provide real world comparisons.

Control arm testing records load & displacement for maximum strength, as well as fatigue.

Elastomere testing incorporates all elements to provide static & dynamic characterization for rubber & rubber/metal components.

A temperature chamber is used to pre-condition dust seals & ball joints for testing.

An impact sled that performs current and future requirements for testing impact on ball studs, ball joints, and control arms.