TROY, Mich. — ArvinMeritor is refocusing its field operations to improve its levels of end-customer contact and support, the company says.

"By adding new regions and increasing the number of territories, while decreasing their physical size, these customer-focused moves will create more frequent direct contact with each customer," said Tom Gosnell, president, commercial vehicle systems. "Our regional customers will receive more frequent contact and benefit from more closely-aligned management representation. The new organization re-positions our National Account team within the Area Director-level to provide more direct focus on these unique customers’ needs. These needs are driven by multiple locations across the country or continent that require consistent contact and support implementation."

The changes are being made in response to changes in the marketplace as well as anticipated shifts in OEM direction. Technology complexities also played a role in ArvinMeritor’s strategic decision.

"We possess an ever-increasing knowledge of components and systems/modules to help and support the fleets and dealers with real value-add," added Kurt Burmeister, general manager of field operations with ArvinMeritor.

He added recent customer purchasing trends have predicated this shift in focus.

"Our customers are opting more quickly to automated transmissions (such as our popular FreedomLine), braking-stability control systems (by Meritor WABCO), and advanced trailer suspension systems including automatic tire inflation systems (MTIS), and those customers want and deserve our counsel and training support today, not tomorrow," Burmeister said.

ArvinMeritor also added two new regional directors. Stew Knight will continue to serve the Canadian market.