Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies announced it will increase its testing capabilities with the addition of a new materials laboratory at its Findlay, Ohio, manufacturing plant.

The new laboratory, part of an overall plant expansion taking place in 2015, will provide the company’s Fluid Power Division with new material characterization, failure analysis and mechanical property test capabilities. It also will consolidate and expand an existing engineering test laboratory at the facility.

Findlay’s expansion, announced last month, will add 43,000 square feet to the existing factory. The new lab will account for approximately 2,000 square feet of the total and represents an investment of approximately $450,000 in equipment and building expenses. The entire project will create 25 new jobs at the Findlay plant and represents an investment of approximately $8.6 million in construction and equipment upgrades. It will be complete by winter 2015.

The new laboratory will perform analysis and testing of parts the plant is making from high-performance plastics. These include thrust washers, seals and other components used in the automotive industry. In addition, the company is installing a new engineering test rig in the lab that will measure torque loss. Freudenberg-NOK says the data will help further improve custom engineered sealing solutions that are reducing CO2 emissions and improving fuel economy.

The Findlay expansion will result in creation of 25 new jobs including chemist, chemical engineer and quality technician positions. The company worked with the state of Ohio, including the Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development authority, Jobs Ohio and the Regional Growth Partnership on workforce incentives.