There's a growing demand for the electric power steering systems made by ZF at its plant in Northern Kentucky. Because the systems are powered by electric motors rather than hydraulics, they save energy and fuel. They're lighter than hydraulic steering systems because they need no steering valves, steering pumps, oil reservoirs or high-pressure hoses. That makes them in demand by automakers looking to produce lighter, more fuel-efficient cars. "We have gained some substantial new contracts to produce electric power steering for automakers here in North America," says Mike Hirsch, a VP with ZF Lenksysteme North America, the steering technology division of ZF. ZF Lenksysteme will expand its ZF Steering Systems LLC operations in Northern Kentucky, moving from Hebron, Ky., to a larger facility facility in Florence and adding 175 jobs. There are currently 365 employees at the Hebron location. ZF will invest more than $30 million in the new plant in upgrades and equipment. ZF Lenksysteme GmbH is a joint venture owned by Robert Bosch GmbH and ZF Friedrichshafen AG. It employs more than 10,000 people at 17 locations in 10 countries.
Writer: David Holthaus
Source: Frank Buscemi, ZF
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