ArvinMeritor, Inc. officially opened a new 100,000-square-foot facility for Mascot Truck Parts in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, to benefit aftermarket customers and improve operational efficiencies. The facility – which remanufactures transmissions, drive axle carriers, drivelines and steering gears – combines three smaller, separate facilities in Mississauga.
“Mascot is one of our key product brands for our aftermarket business, and it has built a significant reputation for quality, customer service and extensive product knowledge,” said Terry Livingston, general manager-North America, for ArvinMeritor’s Commercial Vehicle Aftermarket. “At the center of our remanufacturing strategy are two key factors: same day/next day availability through strategically located distribution centers (25 for Mascot), and an all-makes portfolio that enables customers to make one phone call for their post-engine overhaul, drivetrain needs.”
From the new operation, more than 1,200 axle carriers and transmissions are shipped monthly throughout North America, including five truck OEMs and a host of select authorized outlets. “The consolidation allows for quicker decision-making and reduced cycle-times, as well as consistent processes for all products,” said Glenn Hanthorn, president of Mascot, which also operates remanufacturing centers in Edmonton, Alberta; Moncton, New Brunswick; and Boucherville, Quebec.
Additionally, an on-site customer-service call center remains a central part of the customer-focused operation. “Our one ‘super’ remanufacturing facility utilizes the best practices from all the former facilities,” explained Hanthorn, “while removing their shortcomings and allowing room for growth.”
Under the management direction of Hanthorn; Tony Macharacek, regional operations manager; Bill Statham, general manager; and Guido Sala, senior quality manager, the business unit has increased its production capacity for axle carriers and transmissions by roughly 20 percent due to the consolidation, while lean initiatives introduced at the facility allow more space for further growth. Centralizing in one location has enabled more efficient production, including reduced parts inventory, labor costs and manufacturing overhead, according to the company.
