French Firm Brings CuproBraze Production to Europe

    NEW YORK--Dec. 17, 2001--Berry Radiateurs S.A., a French manufacturer of radiators, charge air coolers and oil coolers, has introduced the advanced CuproBraze(R) production process to the automotive industry in Europe.
    Berry expects to use the new process to reduce the production costs of its heat exchangers and other products, as well as provide additional environmental and manufacturing benefits.
    According to company officials, Berry has watched the CuproBraze evolution with growing interest since 1996. When they realized the inherent advantages and profit potential of CuproBraze technology, they decided to expand their "all aluminum" production line to manufacture copper/brass heat exchangers as well.
    "Further technical development will certainly take place to improve heat transfer performance of the product. However, since the beginning, CuproBraze has out-performed aluminum," says Daniel Trotereau, President of Berry. "The CuproBraze process is similar to the brazed aluminum process, though the production technique makes it possible to reduce our production cost, size and air pressure drop of heat exchangers. In addition, there is no flux, nor lead in the production, which probably will be prohibited or surtaxed in the future."
    Berry manufactures products for both the original equipment market (OEM) and aftermarket. "As part of our business strategy, we have invested in a tube welding machine," Trotereau explains. "The machine's capacity allows us to offer welded tubes to other European radiator manufacturers. We will be able to supply tubes for CuproBraze radiators, as well as tubes for soft soldering.
    "After several trials, we decided upon a three-chamber batch furnace which perfectly corresponds to our demands. It will facilitate trials, pre-series and medium volume production for approximately 80 radiators/charge air coolers per day for heavy trucks. The furnace manufacturer was very accommodating and will produce test cores for European customers. A fin-tip coating machine, as well as a slurrying machine, was also installed.
    "We have had access to all information concerning development and possible options of equipment from the Brazing Center and Technical Center in Sweden. Before we made a decision, we conducted wind tunnel tests that helped us to refine and advance our initial ideas."
    The CuproBraze process proved to be outstanding, offering Berry many advantages in addition to reducing the size of its radiators. The process itself is quieter and more efficient; such as in the way the copper cools more quickly than aluminum.
    Berry's customers are very excited about the project, according to Trotereau. "During several trade fairs, we have had the opportunity to discuss the CuproBraze technology with our customers, who find this technology interesting. They await the first industrial trials. As a test, we have had a CuproBraze truck radiator that has been on the road for 10 months without any problems."
    "We are now looking forward to brazing radiators in our own factory to get more information from the market. According to our theoretical calculations, the CuproBraze radiators will be less expensive than existing radiators. This is an important point for our customers."
    Like other converts to this innovative technology, Berry now believes that every customer should become aware of the advantages of CuproBraze, particularly in the reduction of product size and cost, and the increased strength over traditional aluminum products.
    Berry is initially using the CuproBraze process to make radiators and oil coolers. CAC production is expected to begin in January 2002.

    Contact: Mr. Daniel Trotereau, Berry Radiateurs S.A.,
    Z1 de Malltorne - BP 12 - St. Doulchard, France.
    Tel +33 2 48 24 09 70
    Fax +33 3 48 65 94 30

    The International Copper Association, Ltd. (ICA) is the leading organization for the promotion of the use of copper worldwide. The Association's twenty-nine members represent about 80 percent of the world's refined copper output, and its six associate members are among the world's largest copper and copper alloy fabricators. ICA is responsible for guiding policy, strategy and funding of international initiatives and promotional activities. With headquarters in New York City, ICA operates in 28 worldwide locations through a network of regional offices and copper development associations.