The Torrington Company (Torrington, Connecticut, a division of Ingersoll-Rand) will begin joint development of automotive steering systems with Delphi Corp. (Troy, Michigan).

Torrington will design and produce intermediate shafts (such as pictured here), which connect the steering column to the steering gear box. Delphi will produce the steering columns and be responsible for overall vehicle integration.

Intermediate shaft assemblies typically consist of two universal joints connected by a shaft or tube. Other components include isolators for noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) control, as well as sliding elements for crash safety. Additional elements such as decouplers and convoluted tubes may be added to absorb impact energy.

Although it will be forming a separate product group for this venture, Torrington is expected to add the needed production capacity to its existing facilities in Watertown, Connecticut.

Delphi Steering Systems is a world leader in supplying steering systems to the automotive, light truck and heavy duty vehicle manufacturers around the world. Its plant in Saginaw, Michigan, for example, covers 750,000 square feet and employs 1,700 people. Every day, it manufactures 25,000 finished steering columns, shipped to 37 vehicle assembly plants in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

This new venture does not involve NASTECH, the joint venture between Torrington and NSK. NASTECH also supplies complete steering columns and intermediate shafts to the world's auto and truck manufacturers.