Sep. 26, 2009 (The Hindu Business Line) --

Bangalore, Sept. 26

Automotive parts company ArvinMeritor (NYSE:ARM) said it is eyeing acquisitions in the country as part of its Asia growth plan.

Mr Tim Bowes, Vice-President and Managing Director, Asia Pacific, said at the opening of the Bangalore Technology Centre, “We are looking at opportunities for inorganic growth and to develop products locally for the local markets.”

He did not give any financial details, adding that the Asia-Pacific region contributed ten per cent of the $7.2-billion global revenue.

Forty per cent or roughly $288 million (Rs 1350 crore) comes from India.

The 75-member technology centre will add 30 engineers by the year-end, said Mr Nagaraja Gargeshwari, Engineering Director and Site Manager, Bangalore Technical Centre.

It was poised to become the Asia-Pacific design hub with full test capabilities. The company makes axles, drum brakes and carriers for cars, buses, trucks and ‘off-highway’ vehicles used in the mining and construction industry.

Mr Bowes said ArvinMeritor, the largest supplier to the US defence, planned to focus on military and after-market customers in the country.

The company, formerly Rockwell International, has a manufacturing and marketing joint venture each in Mysore with Bharat Forge.