TRW Open New Factory In Poland

TRW Inc. will officially open a new state of the art 7,500 square meter brake manufacturing plant in Gliwice, Poland, on October 19. With projected investment of more than $25 million, the facility supplies braking actuation products to five major vehicle manufacturers. The facility assembles actuation boosters for Opel, Toyota, Renault, Peugeot and DaimlerChrysler in a clean, climate controlled environment. The total investment includes land, construction and equipment. The product launch took place this summer and as the plant ramps up, volumes will rise to 2,500,000 booster assemblies a year by 2005. The facility will employ 220 people. With automotive manufacturing facilities in Czechowice, Dziedzice, Czestochowa and Warsaw, Poland is an increasingly important location for TRW. Ulrich Melmann, vice president European braking and suspension operations, for TRW said, "Through the hard work, dedication and support of our TRW employees, the local construction company and the local community, we`ve been able to expand our business into this Special Economic Zone. We have chosen this site for its location, infrastructure and availability of a motivated and skilled workforce. "This is a key business development for us in expanding our actuation product line for our Central and Eastern European customers adding to our global automotive offer." The assembly processes integrate best practices to achieve world competitive quality and productivity levels. "We`re really proud of our facility and look forward to a successful partnership with the community," said John Sumner, Gliwice plant manager. "This facility forms an integral part of our growth plans for our braking activities." Local officials, customers and political representatives will attend the official opening. TRW`s braking business is part of TRW Automotive, a world leader in braking systems, steering and suspension systems, automotive electronics, occupant safety systems, commercial steering, engine components and aftermarket replacement parts for the global automotive industry. TRW Inc. provides advanced technology products and services to the automotive, aerospace, telecommunications and information technology markets worldwide. TRW, which is celebrating its 100th year of operations in 2001, had 2000 year-end sales of $17.2 billion. For more information, visit http://www.trw.com .