American Axle Starts New Axle Plant

American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc., a producer of automotive driveline and drivetrain systems and components, established a new plant in Lancaster, PA, to produce axles for Class 8 commercial trucks. The 30,000-ft ² plant, about 75 miles west of Philadelphia, started up January. Class 8 trucks are those with a gross vehicle weight over 16.5 tons, generally including all 18-wheel tractor-trailer rigs. AAM’s new plant expands its welding and bare spindle axle assembly capacity for the commercial truck market. The company said the plant operates on three shifts for six days per week, as demand requires. "We are pleased to announce the expansion of AAM's North American manufacturing footprint," stated president and COO David C. Dauch. "The South Central Pennsylvania location provides excellent geographic access to key customers in the region. Lancaster Manufacturing Facility builds on AAM's track record of world-class quality, delivery, reliability and outstanding warranty performance to further AAM's global product and customer diversification strategy."