ArvinMeritor Dedicates North American Information Technology Center in Columbus, Indiana

TROY, Mich., April 25 -- ArvinMeritor, Inc. today held a dedication ceremony to celebrate the opening of its North American Information Technology (IT) Center in Columbus, Ind. The new IT center is the major hub of the company's network of worldwide information technology capabilities that includes companion sites in Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Sao Paulo, Brazil; and Troy, Mich. The 48,000-square-foot facility employs more than 100 people.

"The North American Information Technology Center serves as the worldwide computing operation and supports ArvinMeritor's business unit information technology needs throughout the corporation," said Perry Lipe, senior vice president and chief information officer for ArvinMeritor.

According to Lipe, the center represents an $8.5-million investment for ArvinMeritor. It consolidates Columbus-based information technology resources formerly located in multiple sites into a new, state-of-the-art facility.

"This new facility means a great deal to me, because it represents ArvinMeritor's ongoing commitment to leading the automotive supply business through the effective use of information technology," said Larry Yost, ArvinMeritor chairman and CEO.

"From collaborating on designs, to ordering products, to processing shipments -- this facility and its connecting worldwide information network enables ArvinMeritor to substantially increase customer satisfaction. Keeping our customers -- and their customers -- happy is the best way to continuously grow the business."

Local and state government representatives expressed their enthusiasm for the announcement. Fred Armstrong, mayor of the City of Columbus said, "Our heartfelt appreciation goes to ArvinMeritor for choosing to call Columbus the home for their new North American Information Technology Center. This graceful and handsome new building represents more than an addition to the physical resources of Columbus. It signifies our recognition that we are positioning our community to address the challenges of the 21st Century. Just as Columbus is known for our architecture, our community can become known as a showcase for technology."

"The Economic Development Board is extremely happy that ArvinMeritor chose to locate their North American Information Technology Center in Columbus, Ind. Their presence in our Info-Tech Park will be a cornerstone for us as we pursue a strategy of attracting additional high-tech companies," said Tim Tarnowski, vice chairman, Columbus Economic Development Board. "We greatly appreciate ArvinMeritor's strong and continued commitment to our community."

In support of the project, the Indiana Department of Commerce granted up to $1.4 million in Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credits and $100,000 from the Skills Enhancement Fund (SEF). Tim Monger, executive director, Indiana Department of Commerce said, "We are thrilled with this new facility and with ArvinMeritor's ongoing commitment to Indiana. This has been a great partnership between the state, city and ArvinMeritor -- and we look forward to continuing that tradition for years to come."

The Department of Commerce awards Skill Enhancement Fund grants to Indiana companies that undertake capital investment projects. The grants help defray the costs of training new and current employees in basic work skills and in the company-specific skills necessary to support the project. EDGE tax credits are based on the creation of new Hoosier jobs and are awarded to companies that may otherwise locate in another state or country.

ArvinMeritor, Inc. is a premier $7-billion global supplier of a broad range of integrated systems, modules and components to the motor vehicle industry. The company serves light vehicle, commercial truck, trailer and specialty original equipment manufacturers and related aftermarkets. In addition, ArvinMeritor is a leader in coil coating applications. The company is headquartered in Troy, Mich., and employs 32,000 people at more than 150 manufacturing facilities in 27 countries. ArvinMeritor common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ARM. For more information, visit the company's Web site at: www.arvinmeritor.com .

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