LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Wabco has signed a long term-agreement with Hendrickson Trailer Commercial Vehicles to provide an advanced air disc brake system for trailers in North America, the company announced at the Mid-America Trucking Show earlier today.

As part of the deal, Wabco is also launching the MAXX22T – its new ADB system. The new system marries Wabco’s braking technologies with Hendrickson’s medium- and heavy-duty suspension and axle systems.

The company claims the MAXX22T is the industry’s lightest air disc brake in the continent and offers an overall weight reduction of up to 100 lbs on tandem-axle trailers, which in turn helps improve fuel-efficiency.

“The cooperation of our two industry leading companies brings together a powerful blend of expertise and industry-leading technologies,” said Nik Varty, Wabco president, Americas. “We are proud to offer a state-of-the-art air disc brake system specifically for trailers in North America that can deliver high performance and value for our customers.”

In addition, the company announced that it will be expanding its manufacturing reach in the US by investing nearly $17 million to build a new facility in Charleston, S.C.

“We will be localizing and launching air disc brake production (in Charleston) in 2016,” said Varty. “This not only helps us secure 175 people that work at the site, but helps us add 50 new jobs.”

The company claims the new plant will be 145,000 sq-ft and is expected to be completed by the end of 2015.