Tower Automotive Takes Friction Stir Weld Suspension Link from ``Concept to Customer''

    GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.--Nov. 22, 2002--Tower Automotive Inc. today announced it has successfully produced suspension links for Ford Motor Company using an innovative "friction stir welding" process. Tower Automotive is the first company in the United States to use the friction stir welding process in an automotive application.
    Developed by The Welding Institute (TWI), a British research and technology organization, friction stir welding is a solid-state welding process used to join aluminum, magnesium and similar non-ferrous metal combinations. The process is environmentally friendly, uses no consumables (filler wire or shielding gas) and is energy efficient.
    Recognizing the potential for applying the friction stir welding process to automotive applications, Tower Automotive purchased a license to research the advantages of using friction stir welding as a metal joining process. The company's testing proved that, compared to the traditional automotive industry method of gas metal arc welding, friction stir welding can reduce weight, lower costs, increase joint efficiency and increase fatigue life.
    "This new process offers superior joining technology in all series of aluminum," said Art Scafe, new product development leader for suspension components, Tower Automotive. "The quality level created by a friction stir weld is superior to other types of welding."
    Tower Automotive worked with Ford Motor Company to develop a friction-stir welded design for the suspension links used in Ford Motor Company's line of Lincoln Towncar limousines. Within six months, Tower Automotive completed the suspension link design, analysis, welding specifications, prototyping and product testing. The first vehicles equipped with Tower Automotive's friction-stir welded suspension links rolled off the assembly line at Ford Motor Company's plant in Wixom, Mich., in October 2002.
    Tower Automotive Inc. produces a broad range of structural components, assemblies and modules for original equipment manufacturers of passenger cars and light trucks, including Ford, DaimlerChrysler, GM, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Auto Alliance, Fiat, BMW, Volkswagen, Hyundai and Kia. Products include suspension components, body structural stampings and assemblies, Class A stampings, engine cradles, crossmembers, subframes, full frames and chassis modules. For additional information, visit the company's Web site at www.towerautomotive.com