NTN Europe now a shock absorber manufacturer
Following the launch of its shock absorber range in December 2023 and its commercial success, NTN Europe is moving up a gear in order to establish itself as a manufacturer in this segment of the independent aftermarket.
As a result, the equipment manufacturer specialising in suspension systems this week signed an agreement to acquire a 35 per cent stake in Mecatech Group’s specialist shock absorber subsidiary, LTM.
Christophe Idelon, vice president automotive aftermarket at NTN Europe said: “Buoyed by the excellent industrial and commercial dynamic that has emerged from this partnership, we now want to go further and take new steps to develop our joint shock absorber production business.
“That’s why we decided to invest within the Mecatech Group. This position will enable us to strengthen our already close collaboration.”
NTN Europe says its investment will directly develop LTM’s industrial capacities in order to increase production volumes and thus achieve the equipment manufacturer’s objective: “to enter the shock absorber market as a manufacturer and partner of choice”.
To achieve this goal, NTN Europe says it is relying on LTM’s technical know-how and capitalising on its own OE expertise in the field of suspension.
As a leader for both wheel bearings, drive shafts and suspension thrust bearings, NTN Europe adds that it is “fully aware of the constraints imposed by the world’s leading car manufacturers with whom it works”.
“As a world-renowned equipment manufacturer, NTN Europe brings us invaluable OE expertise. Together, we will be able to continue working to develop our production of innovative, high-quality shock absorbers intended mainly for the automotive aftermarket,” said Abdessalem Ben Ayed, chairman and CEO of Mecatech.
NTN’s shock absorbers will be manufactured at LTM’s factories in Tunisia.
