Metaldyne’s Sintered Products Group Awarded Six Contracts to Supply Powder Metal Forged Connecting Rods

    PLYMOUTH, Mich., Aug. 13 /EMWNews/ -- Metaldyne, an Asahi Tec

company, today announced it has been awarded more than $50 million in

contracts from multiple automakers to supply powder metal forged connecting

rods for 4- and 6-cyl. engines used globally in 2009 and 2010 cars,

crossover vehicles and minivans.



    The award includes a $25 million contract from an Asia-based 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 powder metal forged 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 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.

    About Metaldyne



    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.



    For more information, please visit http://www.metaldyne.com