Dow Automotive Manufactures Components for New Ford Fiesta in Brazil

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., and BAHIA, Brazil, Dec. 10, 2002; Dow Automotive has been selected as a materials integrator and one of the key full service suppliers for Ford Motor Company's newest manufacturing site in Bahia. Dow Automotive supplies plastic components for the new Ford Fiesta being produced at the site. This effort is supported by a new state-of-the-art production facility opened within the Ford site to provide ongoing technical development, R&D, manufacturing and production expertise.

Dow Automotive provides "pellet-to-part" manufacturing for more than 20 parts on the Ford Fiesta, including front and rear fascia, and various interior and exterior trim components. Dow Automotive's BETASEAL(TM) is also used for glass bonding of windshields and rear windows in the Fiesta. Additionally, Dow Automotive manufactures large plastic instrument panel components for another integrated full service supplier, Visteon Corporation. All parts produced at the site are manufactured using various polypropylene resins, primarily supplied by Dow.

"This development provides a great opportunity to showcase future innovative products and materials in an exciting and growing market," said Larry Denton, Dow Automotive president. "It's a great fit for our business plan, and being this close to our customer is a win-win situation for Dow Automotive and Ford."

The facility employs approximately 200 employees. This is the first time that Dow Automotive has operated an independent plastic part manufacturing facility to support one of its customers.

Dow worked closely with Ford to determine equipment and logistics specifications for its facility and developed a sustainable plan for creating an operation that will provide on-site delivery of components to Ford's assembly line in a matter of hours.

Dow Automotive's 12,000 square meter facility currently houses a fully automated fascia paint line, 12 injection molding machines, 2 welding machines, and related assembly equipment. All equipment is best in class and is operated and maintained by Dow Automotive.