Frasle Mobility has opened Movetech USA in Detroit, a research site built around a dynamometer dedicated to heavy-duty commercial vehicle testing, extending an engineering network the company says produces more than 5,000 prototypes and runs more than 70,000 tests each year. Movetech is Frasle Mobility‘s main research, development and innovation hub, headquartered in Caxias do Sul, Brazil, where about 160 engineering professionals develop friction and mobility materials. The Brazilian supplier inaugurated the Detroit site last week and says it chose the city to grow business with North American automakers and brake system manufacturers.
Highlights
- Heavy-duty dynamometer: Movetech USA opens with a new dynamometer dedicated to commercial vehicle testing, installed at Greening Testing Laboratories in Detroit.
- Engineering base: Movetech’s Caxias do Sul headquarters employs about 160 specialists, master’s degree holders, and PhDs.
- Testing volume: Movetech’s global laboratories produce more than 5,000 prototypes and conduct more than 70,000 tests annually, according to the company.
- Fifth country: Movetech USA joins existing operations in Brazil, Mexico, India, and China.
Why Did Frasle Mobility Choose Detroit?
Frasle Mobility describes the U.S. expansion as part of its internationalization strategy and a move toward professionalizing and integrating its engineering teams globally. The company says Detroit’s position as one of the world’s leading automotive hubs supports its goal of increasing business with North American automakers.
According to the company, Frasle Mobility already holds a prominent position in the U.S. OEM brake lining market. It aims to expand its role in new projects and applications developed with brake system and vehicle manufacturers.
Alexandre Roman, engineering manager for North America and head of Movetech’s Detroit operation, tied the location to customer proximity.
“Being closer to customers is key to understanding specific challenges and developing technologies faster and more accurately. Movetech’s presence in Detroit strengthens our innovation capacity and expands opportunities for collaboration with leading automakers and automotive industry partners in the United States,” Roman said.
Dynamometer Installed Through Greening Partnership
To launch the operation, Frasle Mobility acquired a new dynamometer and installed it inside the Greening Testing Laboratories facility. The partnership guarantees dedicated space for Frasle Mobility’s engineering activities.
The company says the equipment will be used for simulations, testing, and materials analysis.
Movetech’s Global Research Network
Movetech works across several mobility technology areas, according to the company:
- Friction materials and brake discs
- Structural composites and polymers
- Hydraulic components
- Complete solutions for automotive systems
Before the Detroit opening, Movetech operated in Brazil, Mexico, India, and China. All sites connect to the Center of Excellence in Caxias do Sul, which houses the network’s largest technical, laboratory, and management capabilities.
