ELYRIA, Ohio — Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake is moving production of its foundation and air disc brakes to a new facility beginning in the fourth quarter of 2007, the company reported. The change will result in the closure of its current Frankfort, Ky. plant.

The company says production of its S-Cam brakes will be moved from its current location at a Dana plant in Glaskow, Ky. Air disc brake production will also take place at the new plant, which will likely be in Kentucky or Tennessee, according to Bendix officials.

This announcement signifies the latest evolution in Bendix Spicer Foundation Brakes continued growth, said Kishor Pendse, president, Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake. This new plant will provide us a business unit-focused manufacturing operation for our highest-volume and greatest growth-potential products. The move is a natural next step in our global manufacturing facilities strategy. We anticipate considerable synergy and efficiency to result.

Bendixs Frankfort plant will be closed by late 2007, according to a release. The Frankfort plant was also home to the companys air compressor manufacturing. Compressors will be built at an existing Bendix plant in Acuna, Mexico. Bendix said it will continue to meet customer demands throughout the transition.

“This very difficult business decision was not entered into without careful evaluation and consideration, especially for those impacted by the pending Frankfort facility’s closing,” said Steve Mance, Bendix vice-president and general manager, charging systems. “Despite significant productivity improvements resulting from capital improvements made at the Frankfort plant over the last several years, two significant factors contribute to this closure action. First is the globalization of our compressors business, which places greater pressure to reduce costs to a level that can allow us to compete effectively in the worldwide marketplace. Second is the strategic direction Bendix has set in place across the organization to align its factories with its business product lines for enhanced efficiencies and productivity.”