Federal-Mogul Celebrates Research Facility Anniversary

Federal-Mogul Corporation is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the company’s Materials and Processes Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich.
“The 40-year-mark represents the commitment of Federal-Mogul to constantly improve operations by focusing on leading-edge research and development,” said James Toth, facility manager. “Some corporations are quick to reduce their research and development (R&D) investment during periods of challenging market or economic conditions, but Federal-Mogul has realized the long-term benefits and opportunities created by continuously updating our technology.”
The Materials and Processes Technical Center develops metallurgical products and processes, and tests the performance characteristics of Federal-Mogul engine bearing products. Work done in the R&D centre’s laboratories provides information that car and truck manufacturers use to determine what future engine products offer the highest potential for emissions quality and performance improvement.
To celebrate the anniversary, each of the facility’s 40 employees received a shirt embroidered with “Federal-Mogul, Ann Arbor Materials, 40 Years Strong.”
Employees also viewed photos taken when the facility opened, while newspaper clippings and a medallion presented during the formal dedication ceremony in 1963 were on display. Like other Federal-Mogul operations, the Ann Arbor facility has evolved during its years of operation to become more environment- and safety- conscious.
“In my 19 years here, I have noticed a continuous improvement environmentally; we are working hard to support Federal-Mogul’s commitment to lead-free products,” Toth said.
Demonstrating its steadfast commitment to safety, the Ann Arbor facility received the Consultation Education and Training Plaque for an outstanding safety and health record from the Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services in August 2002. The award is given to employers who have achieved five years of an outstanding Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act record.
The Materials and Processes Technical Center’s employees include technicians, researchers, engineers and mechanical engineering students from Kettering University in Flint, Michigan. Federal-Mogul operates three additional technical centers in Ann Arbor specializing in continuous product improvement and process innovation.
The Advanced Technology Center specializes in pistons and piston ring testing and development. The Manufacturing Technology Development Center focuses on research and development of advanced manufacturing processes. The Sealing Systems Technical Center functions as a technical center for oil seal and gasket technology testing.