Starting in early 2019, Jacobs’ Brno plant will initially produce up to 100,000 engine brakes annually for manufacturers of heavy-duty commercial vehicles and engines. Future, phased development of the 2,000 square-meter plant could eventually double production to 200,000 units annually. Initially, more than 20 jobs will be created, with a further 30 planned as part of potential future expansion.
“By opening a new plant in the Czech Republic, Jacobs is strengthening its presence and speed-of-response at the heart of continental Europe. This investment affirms our commitment to European-based OEMs, with whom we have a close, partnership-style of working,” says Dennis Gallagher, president of Jacobs Vehicle Systems.
Jacobs works in Europe with vehicle and engine manufacturers including Daimler, DAF, Deutz, Ford Otosan and Volvo Group. In this region, as elsewhere, interest in Jacobs’ technical solutions is high because of the increased need for fuel savings and emissions reductions and because Jacobs has expanded its product portfolio through new applications of its valve actuation systems.
In 2016, Jacobs introduced the high power density (HPD) engine brake, which equals or exceeds the braking capabilities of a driveline retarder at a fraction of the cost; in 2017, Jacobs launched 2-step variable valve actuation (VVA), which provides near-identical benefits to fully-flexible VVA at considerably lower cost; and earlier this month, the company announced cylinder deactivation (CDA) technology, which reduces tailpipe emissions and improves fuel economy, according to the company.
In addition to Jacobs’ 25,000 square-meter design, testing and manufacturing facility in Connecticut, the company also operates a manufacturing facility in Suzhou, China.
