CARS GLOBALMAG October 2016 | Page 118

3 2 . 0 0 0 A D AY ! This The Sint-Truiden Manufacturing Facility state-of-the-art Tenneco facility produces conventional single and double tube shock absorbers in addition to part of the Monroe® Intelligent Suspension electronic shock portfolio, cabin dampers, coil and air suspension, sintered metal and stamping parts and complete valving components. The facility supplies both original equipment manufacturers and the replacement market for Europe, South Africa, North America, South America, Australia and Asia. The key processes are tubing, rods (machining, hardening, grinding, chroming, polishing, welding), base assembly welding, water-based electrostatic painting, modular assembly and Aftermarket packaging. Two technologies from the Monroe® Intelligent Suspension portfolio are industrialized in clean room environments in Sint-Truiden. These include Dual Mode adaptive suspension technology that offers compact car drivers a default comfort drive or a more sporty ride at the touch of a button. Dual Mode features a simple control unit to electronically switch between soft and firm damping levels. Dual Mode is assembled in Sint-Truiden for the Ford Focus RS using state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques including laser welding for valving pre-load and piston rod assembly, and inline testing including electrical switching. The Swish box surrounding hydraulic damper measuring equipment for noise measurements