Metaldyne awarded six contracts to supply forged PM (Powder Metallurgy) connecting rods

Metaldyne announced on August 13th 2008 that it has been awarded more than $50 million in contracts from multiple automakers to supply powder metal forged connecting rods for 4 and 6 cylinder engines used globally in 2009 and 2010 cars, crossover vehicles and minivans.

The award includes a $25 million contract from an Asiabased automaker to supply machined connecting rod assemblies. The programs will launch in Asia, Europe and North America. “We are pleased that our connecting rods were selected for these fuel efficient engines,” said Thomas A. Amato, Metaldyne chairman and CEO and Asahi Tec Co CEO. “We have restructured Metaldyne’s operations to intensify our investment focus on our core products. These awards are the result of our increased product focus.”

Metaldyne’s forged powder metallurgy (PM) connecting rod technology and materials significantly improve product strength, mass, and NVH characteristics, while contributing to improved engine fuel efficiency. Metaldyne’s near net shape forging process also significantly reduces raw material waste compared to competing steel Metaldyne Wins Seven Contracts to Supply PM and Machined Connecting Rod Assemblies forging processes, reducing machining operations, steel scrap and overall costs to the customer.

“These contracts allow us to expand our global presence as a leading supplier of connecting rods and represent a growing trend by OEMs, who are designing their next generation gasoline and diesel engines to take advantage of the inherent benefits of the technology,” said George Lanni, Metaldyne vice president of sales and engineering. “Metaldyne continues to meet our customers’ needs globally while delivering high performance and economic connecting rod solutions.”

Designed to maximize strength and durability in both gasoline and diesel engine applications, connecting rods are the link to transmit force from the piston to the crankshaft in reciprocating engines.

Metaldyne is a wholly owned subsidiary of Asahi Tec, a Shizuoka, Japan based chassis and powertrain component supplier in the passenger car/light truck and
medium/heavy truck segments. Asahi Tec is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. 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 has annual revenues of approximately $1.8 billion. The company employs more than 6,300 employees at 33 facilities in 14 countries.