Metaldyne Wins $70 Million Contract to Supply Chassis Products for Global OEM Program

Metaldyne, an Asahi Tec company, today announced it has been awarded a $70 million contract from a global automaker to supply chassis products for multiple 2007-2008 model-year car and truck platforms.

The first program is currently in production in the United States; the second begins production in Mexico later this year; and, a third launches in China in 2008.

Metaldyne will supply front and rear knuckle assemblies and front lower control arm assemblies that reduce cost, weight and complexity, and improve noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

The knuckle assemblies integrate the brake system with the suspension and the control arms control the stiffness and movement of the suspension for a smooth ride.

“The real value is in the design process,” says Joe Nowak, president of Metaldyne’s Chassis Group. “For example, we’re able to simplify the system by integrating ball joints into the assemblies. This new contract allows us to continue to expand our portfolio across many global markets and provides our customers with the next-generation in chassis development.”

Metaldyne is a leading global designer and supplier of metal-based components, assemblies and modules for transportation related powertrain and chassis applications including engine, transmission/transfer case, wheel-end and suspension, axle and driveline, and noise and vibration control products to the motor vehicle industry.

Headquartered in Plymouth, Mich., Metaldyne is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Asahi Tec Corporation, a Shizuoka, Japan-based chassis and powertrain component supplier in the passenger car/light truck and medium/heavy truck segments. Metaldyne has annual revenues of approximately $1.9 billion and employs more than 6,500 employees at 38 facilities in 14 countries. For more information, please visit www.metaldyne.com