Fras-le expands its business footprint in Asia through a joint venture in India

Fras-le S.A. (a Randon Company) manufacturer of auto parts, with friction material as the main flagship product, with shares traded on the stock exchange (BOVESPA FRAS), and ASK Automotive (P) Ltd., an Indian manufacturer of friction materials, signed on December 5, in Caxias do Sul, Brazil, an agreement to establish a joint venture. According to the agreement, the Companies plan to enter into a partnership for the production of brake pads and linings for commercial vehicles to supply the IAM and OEM markets. Located in Manesar, Haryana State, the new company will operate under the name ASK Fras-le Friction Private Limited. The new company’s products will be supplied to India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka and will also be exported to other countries through Fras-le.
 
The Joint Venture will require an investment of US$ 5.1 million by Fras-le in ASK’s current facility, which already manufactures products for commercial vehicles. Fras-le will have the controlling interest (51%) and ASK Automotive (P) Ltd. will have 49%. The other companies of ASK Group – which operate within other market segments – will remain under the total control of ASK Automotive (P) Ltd. The Joint Venture will allow the company to add production capacity and versatility to the production of brake pads and linings for commercial vehicles (trailers, trucks and buses above 3.5 tons), offering cost improvement opportunities to the global structure.

“The market of commercial vehicles in India is very large and shows excellent prospects for future development. Fras-le wishes to be part of this market, which is in line with our plans growth and internationalization”, states the CEO of Fras-le, Sérgio de Carvalho, referring, among other factors, to the economic stability in India. “Within our group, we have a long history of participating in Joint Ventures and we believe that this operation in India will be very successful as well”, said David Abramo Randon, President of Randon Companies.
 
“It is a great union between two world leaders, ASK being the world leader in two wheeler friction and Fras-le being among the world leaders in the commercial vehicle friction segment. This will enable customers to enjoy a world class product at competitive pricing. It is our contribution to the “Make in India” vision, states K. S. Rathee, Chairman and Managing Director of ASK. “I foresee a great future for the Joint Venture as it combines best-in-class technology and India’s manufacturing strengths,” added Aman Rathee, President, ASK Automotive – Friction division.

ASK AUTOMOTIVE - ASK Automotive Pvt. Ltd is a leading company in the production of friction materials for the segment of motorcycles and scooters, manufacturing brake shoes, brake pads, clutches, brake assemblies and other aluminum die casting components. In the market for 29 years, the Company is committed to engineering excellence and stringent quality controls in each stage of its manufacturing process. Ask Automotive has its own Research, Development and Design Center. Established in 1989, the ASK group has turnover of more than 220 million USD, 14 strategic manufacturing locations throughout India and employs more than 6500 people. Always focused on quality, delivery time and competitiveness, the ASK brand is recognized by the major automakers of India. For further information, please visit www.askbrake.com.
  
FRAS-LE S.A.- Fras-le (BOVESPA:FRAS) in the market for over 60 years, is one of the five largest manufacturers of friction materials in the world, with plants strategically located in Brazil, United States and China, in addition to warehouses in Argentina, Europe, United States and Colombia, Commercial Operations in Chile, Europe, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, and South Africa, allowing the Company to meet international demand quickly and effectively. With a portfolio of more than 12,000 P/Ns of the brands FRAS-LE and LONAFLEX, the Company manufactures brake pads and linings for heavy vehicles; brake pads, linings and shoes for light vehicles; clutch facings, brake pads and brake shoes for motorcycles; brake pads for aircraft; brake pads and shoes for trains and subways; molded and woven linings and universal sheets and other products for hydraulic brake systems such as master cylinders, wheel and clutches, repair of parts and others.
 
Fras-le is part of Randon Companies, a conglomerate that has been in the market for 68 years and employs 8,000 employees. The conglomerate is made up of leading companies in South America in the segments of vehicles and road equipment, auto parts and financial services.