Fras-le North America announced at Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week in Las Vegas changes to its hydraulic product offering for commercial vehicles, the launch of a copper-free air disc brake pad line called GRN Tech as well as an acquisition that will expand its product line.
“There’s a big push today for an economy product out there and our exciting new product [in the hydraulic brake pad lineup] is the durbloc product,” Bob Harrison, senior vice president of sales and marketing, Fras-le North America, said at a press conference. “This product has been sold worldwide by Fras-le for many years and has outstanding performance.”
Harrison added durbloc is a direct response to the market’s demand for a high-quality, value-cost option from Fras-le.
The company announced it has expanded its line of hydraulic brake pads to include a full range of exceptional material grades. The improved portfolio contains innovative features on the Magnum Pro and Extreme Service products, Fras-le says.
“We’re reintroducing with new labels and new packaging our Magnum Pro product, which is really a great product for the everyday operator of a medium-duty vehicle, and our Extreme Service product [for] applications where you may run into higher temperatures or extreme braking demands, such as a school bus or recycling truck,” Harrison said.
Fras-le also introduced a copper-free product called GRN Tech to its air disc brake pad program. The material is made from a highly-durable formulation providing increased brake power, as well as rotor and pad durability, the company says, adding that this product is unique in that it will provide OEMs with copper-free solutions that will exceed performance expectations.
After years of engineering at Fras-le’s research and development center, GRN Tech was produced as an effective and environmentally-friendly product. Not only has it been tested on various terrains at Fras-le’s proving grounds in Brazil, but it also has produced exceptional results in several other countries, the company says.
The company also announced it signed an agreement to acquire Jofund S.A, holder of the Fremax brand, which Fras-le says is recognized as a premier manufacturer of brake discs, drums and wheel hubs for OEM and aftermarket companies.
The acquisition will enable the company to provide an expanded line of rotors in North America. Early product offerings will include a limited amount of premium rotors for the top-selling commercial brake systems in North America for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.
“We’re listening to market demands and taking action to be more than just a brake pad and lining supplier,” said Anderson Pontalti, general manager, Fras-le North America. “We are very excited about this acquisition and the technology that comes with it, allowing us to introduce an expanded product offering to the commercial vehicle market.”
