NOVI, Mich. — A European manufacturer of vehicle exhaust aftertreatment systems is establishing a major manufacturing presence in North America as it prepares to help the industry meet new EPA emissions requirements.

Eberspaecher says it will begin production of new commercial vehicle exhaust aftertreatment systems at its Brighton, Michigan plant later this year. It recently injected millions of dollars into the facility, retooling 80% of its 120,000 sq.-ft., the company has announced. It has also installed manufacturing technology at its new 100,000-sq.ft. facility in Wixom, Mich.

“The substantial investments we’ve made in our Brighton and Wixom facilities will position the company as a market leader in the production of exhaust aftertreatment systems for heavy-duty trucks from 2010 onward,” said Dennis Berry, president and CEO of Eberspaecher North America.

Eberspaecher manufactures selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, an exhaust aftertreatment system that will be used by most engine manufacturers to meet EPA2010 emissions standards. By 2014, off-highway vehicles will also be faced with the same stringent NOx reductions and Eberspaecher says it will develop modular designs to meet the more complex packaging and serviceability needs of the off-road market.

“Today we’re primarily an automotive supplier, but within the next three years we expect our commercial vehicle operations to account for 50% or more of our North American business and contribute to a substantial growth in total sales,” Berry said. “Off-highway sales during the next decade will have a significant impact on future growth as well.”