Affinia Begins Operations at New Filtration Plant in China

ANN ARBOR, Mich., April 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Affinia Group Inc., an innovative global leader in industrial grade products and services, has begun production at its new filtration products manufacturing facility in Longkou City, Shandong Province, China.  Longkou WIX Filtration Co., Ltd. will serve the rapidly growing Asian markets and represent a significant expansion of Affinia's existing business relationship with Zhang Haibo, President of Haimeng, one of the largest drum and rotor manufacturers in the world.  

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090326/AFFINIALOGO )

"The opening of WIX Longkou is an important new chapter in our World Smart™ business strategy," said Terry McCormack, President and CEO of Affinia Group. "It is with total confidence that we invest in this new opportunity with Zhang Haibo, who has demonstrated strong leadership and keen business sense, bringing significant growth and success to our rotor operations.  We are thrilled to have his dedication, commitment and support in our filtration endeavor."  

The new 220,000-square-foot filtration center, located in the Longkou Economic Development Zone, Shandong Province, China, will manufacture filtration products for light and heavy-duty vehicles.  WIX Longkou will primarily focus on service to Asian markets, which are experiencing rapid growth in consumer vehicle ownership.  Total vehicle sales in China have surpassed those of the U.S. in recent years.

"Our WIX brand and associated filtration products have a strong heritage in the aftermarket," said Keith Wilson, President of Affinia Global Filtration.  "With the dedication and expertise of our Longkou associates, we will work together as a unified team in building the WIX brand as a leader in quality and innovation throughout Asia."

Affinia Group Inc. is an innovative global leader in the design, manufacture, distribution and marketing of industrial grade products and services, including extensive offerings of aftermarket products for automotive and heavy-duty vehicles. With approximately $2 billion in annual revenue, Affinia has operations in North and South America, Europe, and Asia. For more information, visit www.affiniagroup.com.

SOURCE Affinia Group Inc.