Fras-le North America Inc. said it will begin producing heavy-duty brake liners at its friction plant in Prattville, Ala.

It’s the first time that parent Fras-le SA, a Brazilian supplier of disc brake pads, clutch facings and brake pads, will produce heavy-duty brake liners in the United States. The company now makes disc brake pads at its Prattville plant.

The $11 million investment expands Fras-le’s ability to supply brake lining for truck builders and aftermarket commercial vehicle customers in North America. It will lead to hiring nearly 100 new workers in 2012 and 2013 at Prattville, the company said.

Fras-le now makes brake liners in Brazil for global distribution and in China for distribution throughout Europe and Asia.

Fras-le SA also said it and Meritor Inc. have renewed a five-year contract for brake liners.