Brembo has conducted the first pour at its new cast-iron casting facility in Homer, Michigan.
The pour was a test of the systems in the facility to make sure they are functioning. It is the initial step before the ramping up of production begins.
According to a news release, the facility's "furnaces were charged and the molten raw material from these furnaces was poured into a mold for the first time." All of the systems performed as expected.
“The startup of our new, state of the art (facility) in Homer is further proof of Brembo’s commitment to Michigan and is a key component of Brembo’s continued global expansion”, said Matteo Tiraboschi, deputy executive chairman, Brembo S.p.A.
“The growth of our Homer operation exemplifies our commitment to the North American market, the top geographic market for Brembo worldwide.”
Dan Sandberg, president and CEO, Brembo North America, echoed those thoughts.
“Having our own dedicated (facility) in the United States allows us to have maximum control over our process and costs," he said. "Our customers benefit by having a dedicated, fully integrated manufacturing process for their brake components."
The 266,000-sq. ft. facility began construction in 2015, and production will be ramped up in May. It will be fully operational in 2017.