Originally reported by Pedro Barroso at Europneus (February 27, 2026). Read the full story →
The brake friction manufacturer is investing in Spanish logistics to capture growing Iberian aftermarket demand, pairing a new distribution center with its existing production facility.
TMD Friction is set to launch a dedicated distribution warehouse in Valencia during Q1 2026, marking a significant expansion of the company’s logistics footprint in one of Europe’s most important vehicle manufacturing markets. Spain ranks as the EU’s third-largest vehicle production hub, and TMD Friction is positioning itself to serve the country’s sizable aftermarket more responsively through its Textar-branded passenger vehicle brake products.
Building on Existing Spanish Operations
The new facility complements TMD Friction’s existing Valencia production plant, which specializes in brake shoe manufacturing. That plant already operates with a sustainability edge — its 1,101 rooftop solar panels supplied approximately 15% of the facility’s energy consumption in 2023. By co-locating warehousing alongside manufacturing, TMD Friction is creating an integrated industrial and logistics cluster that should reduce lead times and distribution costs for Spanish and broader Iberian customers.
For aftermarket distributors and workshop chains across Spain, this consolidation could translate into faster order fulfillment and improved product availability — competitive advantages in a market where responsiveness increasingly differentiates suppliers.
Strategic Ambitions in Iberia
Adrian Dulea, the company’s Sales and Business Development Manager for South-Eastern Europe and Iberia, framed the move as part of a broader commitment to the Spanish market. The company aims to establish itself as a leading aftermarket brake supplier in the country, working alongside major national distribution groups that form the backbone of Spain’s parts supply chain.
TMD Friction is coupling its logistics expansion with knowledge-sharing initiatives. The company has introduced its Textar Virtual Academy online training platform in Spain, offering workshops and distributors instruction on braking system diagnostics, installation best practices, and system-level technical education. Training investments like these tend to build brand loyalty among technicians — a strategy several major brake suppliers have adopted as the complexity of modern braking systems increases. How effectively TMD Friction scales this program across Spain’s fragmented workshop landscape could influence its long-term market penetration.
Financial Footing Supports Growth
The company reported global revenues of €786.6 million in 2025 with a workforce exceeding 3,900 employees worldwide. Those figures place TMD Friction among the substantial mid-tier players in the global friction materials market, with resources to fund regional expansion campaigns like the Spanish initiative. The company has signaled expectations of sustained growth in the Spanish aftermarket over the coming years.
The Bottom Line
TMD Friction’s Valencia warehouse investment signals that major brake suppliers see meaningful growth potential in Southern European aftermarkets. By pairing local logistics with established manufacturing and technician training programs, the company is building a multi-layered market entry strategy rather than relying on distribution alone. For Spanish aftermarket professionals, increased supplier competition in the region should improve product access and service levels.
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