ICA Press Releases on CuproBraze
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mexican Company Brings CuproBraze Charge Air Cooler Production to North America
Climex World to Make Copper-and-Brass Radiators and CACs
New York, NY (April 9, 2007) – The International Copper Association announces that Mexico-based Climex World is preparing for production of CuproBraze radiators and charge air coolers (CACs). Climex World, a spin-off of radiator manufacturer Proveedora de Herramientas y Accesorios para Radiador (PHAR), becomes the first company in North America to manufacture brazed copper-and-brass charge air coolers in volume.
Climex will produce CACs for heavy-duty trucks, with an estimated production rate of 500 per month and increasing production as the year progresses. Plans for the inaugural year also embrace the production of radiators and oil coolers for the aftermarket, including replacement parts for on-road heavy-duty trucks, industrial and construction vehicles, agricultural equipment, buses and electric power generators.
With its prior expertise in manufacturing frames and fittings, Climex World can match its heat exchanger cores to a variety of original equipment part numbers. It can produce ready-to-install CuproBraze radiators as exact replacements parts, corresponding to part numbers used in heavy-duty, on-road trucks.
Another Climex advantage is the strategic location of its new plant, which connects it to every part of Mexico, the U.S. and Canada. The plant is situated outside of Monterrey in the city of Escobedo, situated 220 km from Laredo, the busiest point of entry on the U.S.-Mexico border.
Initially, Climex World will distribute CuproBraze products through PHAR’s network of more than 30 distribution centers in major Mexican cities, from Tijuana to Mérida (PHAR owns seven of those warehouse facilities). U.S. and Canadian Customers will be serviced through the network of knowledgeable distributors located in these countries.
Climex chose the CuproBraze technology based on key advantages like durability and reparability. Brazed copper-brass is superior to soldered copper-brass radiators with respect to fatigue, thermal properties and corrosion resistance. In addition, CuproBraze products are easily repairable in the field since the application of solder can quickly fix leaks that may develop in heat exchangers.
CuproBraze products are also suited to aid engine/vehicle manufacturers in complying with stringent environmental legislation in Europe, Japan and the United States. New laws call for a dramatic reduction in the oxides of nitrogen released from heavy-duty truck engines and off-road diesel engines. CuproBraze offers an alternative material system to aluminum. Clean diesel engines can be designed to work with CuproBraze CACs operating at higher temperatures and pressures than was previously possible.
“With CuproBraze we can demonstrate superior performance and durability,” says Jorge Warnholtz, plant manager for Climex World’s CuproBraze plant. “Couple that with the favorable economic conditions in Mexico and you have a very positive outlook for the future of Climex World and CuproBraze.”
For more details, contact the International Copper Association, (212) 251-7245 or write to ICA at 260 Madison Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10016-2401. For more information about CuproBraze, also see the website for the CuproBraze Alliance at www.cuprobraze.com. ICA is a member of the CuproBraze Alliance.
The International Copper Association, Ltd. is the leading organization for the promotion of the use of copper worldwide. The Association’s twenty-nine members represent about 80 percent of the world’s refined copper output, and its six associate members are among the world’s largest copper and copper-alloy fabricators. ICA is responsible for guiding policy, strategy and funding of international initiatives and promotional activities. With headquarters in New York City, ICA operates in 28 worldwide locations through a network of regional offices and copper development associations.