Wabtec Corp. said Thursday, Aug. 21, 2014 it has acquired Dia-Frag, a manufacturer of friction products based in Monte Alto, Brazil. Dia-Frag has annual sales of about $40 million. Wabtec did not disclose any financial details of acquisition.
Dia-Frag manufactures friction products for various markets, with a focus on motorcycle braking equipment. The company's capabilities include mixing and molding highly differentiated disc brake pads and drum brake shoes, and precision machining and aluminum die casting.
Wabtec President and CEO Raymond T. Betler said, "Wabtec is a worldwide leader in friction products for rail and adjacent niche markets, and Dia-Frag will be a strong strategic addition to this portfolio. The company expands our existing footprint in Brazil with additional manufacturing capabilities, and we expect to leverage its market-leading product line to grow our platforms in other global regions."
Dia-Frag has about 300 employees and a 15,000-square-meter production facility, which Wilmerding, Pa.-based Wabtec intends to use as a manufacturing center of excellence for various product lines. Wabtec said the company has a strong aftermarket presence, and its customers also include leading original equipment manufacturers.