As a result of permanent cost pressure in North America, FNGP made intensive efforts to move the manufacture of high-volume mature products to lower-cost regions. These efforts culminated in the Latin American strategy, under which FNGP utilizes existing facilities in Latin America whenever possible, while simultaneously expanding production capacity in the region. The Simrit Division of Freudenberg-NOK General Partnership opened a new facility with some 150 associates in Querétaro/Mexico in November 2003.

In the automotive aftersales market, the Corteco spare parts brand continued to establish itself as a full-range supplier of OE quality automotive sealing products.

In the general industry segment, Freudenberg-NOK General Partnership has realigned its businesses to provide appropriate sealing solutions for all levels of the market. Simrit, the OEM sealing business within the general industry segment, serves the mechanical engineering, aerospace and marine industries. The upswing in these sectors during the second half of 2003 offset the drop in sales of the first six months of the year.

The “We all take care Award“ was won by the La Grange/Georgia facility for a project heightening awareness for safety in the minds of associates. As a reward for six months without a notifiable accident, all associates were given a half-day off work.

Against the backdrop of improved economic conditions in the USA, Freudenberg-NOK General Partnership expects to see moderate growth in sales in 2004.

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