Jacobs Vehicle Systems (of ‘Jake Brake’ fame), the manufacturer of heavy duty diesel engine retarding and valve actuation systems, recently shipped the first engine brake from its newly opened European facitory near Brno in the Czech Republic.

The supplier is based in Bloomfield, Connecticut, and has a factory in Suzhou, eastern China. Brno is its third production location.

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“Our engineers are working closely with engine manufacturers across Europe, including such brands as DAF, Daimler, Deutz, Renault Trucks, and Volvo,” said Hilko Schmitt, marketing and business development manager at Jacobs.

“Thanks to its strategic location in the middle of the continent, Brno represents an ideal base for us. We will be able to respond flexibly to the needs of all of our European partners.”

Twenty factory operators and support staff work in the new production plant which measures 21,000 square feet. Annual production of 100,000 engine brakes – using additional employees – is planned.

Added Schmitt: “In addition to braking efficiency, we have been focusing on emissions [products] as the next step in our evolution of technology.”

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