Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies has acquired Alto Products Corp., a privately owned manufacturer of clutch plates and automatic transmission parts. The acquisition strengthens Freudenberg Sealing Technologies’ (FST) position in the North American market and expands its capabilities in transmission rebuild solutions, with Alto’s friction and steel plates being integrated into FST’s Specialty Transmission Aftermarket offerings.
Alto Products Corp. is the world’s oldest and largest independent manufacturer of clutch plates and transmission parts, operating a 270,000-square-foot facility in Atmore, Alabama, with sales and distribution centers in Mexico, the Netherlands and China. Alto employs approximately 240 people and serves the automotive, heavy-duty, and marine markets. Its technical expertise and global reach allow it to deliver durable transmission solutions across North America, Latin America, Asia and Europe.
“This acquisition enables us to offer more comprehensive solutions to our aftermarket customers and paves the way for new global opportunities,” said Judy Love, North American Vice President of the Corteco Division. “Alto’s reputation in high-performance and marine segments aligns well with our strategy to diversify and expand internationally.”
As part of the integration, Alto’s Sales, Customer Service and Marketing functions will merge into FST’s Corteco Division to enhance market responsiveness, while manufacturing operations will be incorporated into FST’s Static Sealing Division to unify product lines and boost operational efficiency. Alto’s established operations in the Netherlands and China will be leveraged alongside FST’s global infrastructure to improve service capabilities across multiple regions.
TransTec, a brand of FST and a leading provider of transmission rebuild kits, will benefit from the expanded product portfolio and technical expertise that Alto brings. The integration supports TransTec’s commitment to delivering high-quality aftermarket solutions and reinforces its position in the transmission service industry.
“This is a strategic step forward for FST,” said Dr. Christian Dickopf, Senior Vice President Corteco Division. “By combining Alto’s technical expertise with our existing capabilities, we’re positioning ourselves to serve customers better and improve our global supply chain.”
