GKN Sinter Metals Produces One Hundred Millionth P/M Main Bearing Cap

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., March 17 -- GKN Sinter Metals' Wisconsin Operations recently manufactured its 100 millionth main bearing cap, which rolled off GKN's Honda Accord V-6 engine main bearing cap production line in Germantown. On hand for the milestone were Honda of America Purchasing Engineer Keith Wiehe and Purchasing Manager Jay Patel, along with GKN Sinter Metals Automation Technicians Brian Brunner and Janice Malwitz. The Company produces main bearing caps at its Germantown and Manitowoc production facilities in Wisconsin, and began manufacturing the engine component for Honda as of the auto maker's 2003 model year.

GKN Sinter Metals pioneered powder metal main bearing caps, which it first produced for General Motors Corp. in 1993. Shortly thereafter, the Metal Powder Industries Federation (MPIF) recognized this innovative work by naming the main bearing cap "P/M Part of the Year." GKN Sinter Metals currently is supplying main bearing caps for Honda's Acura, Accord, Odyssey minivan, and Pilot SUV. DaimlerChrysler, Ford and General Motors also use GKN Sinter Metals main bearing caps for various engine platforms.

GKN Sinter Metals is the world's leading producer of powder metal components. From more than 30 production facilities in 12 countries spanning five continents, its 7,500 employees manufacture P/M parts for original equipment manufacturers and their direct suppliers in the automotive, commercial vehicle, home appliance, lawn & garden, office equipment and furniture, and recreation industries, as well as for the compressor, small engine, and other industrial markets. GKN Sinter Metals is a wholly owned subsidiary of GKN plc, a global engineering company focused on the automotive, aerospace and related industries.

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