UNOVA Industrial Automation Systems - Using Strategic Business Alliances to Tap Global Markets

    CHESTERFIELD TWP., Mich.--April 29, 2003--As the automobile industry becomes an increasingly global market, Lamb Technicon, part of UNOVA Industrial Automation Systems, has strengthened its business strategy by forming international alliances with several other leading suppliers of automotive manufacturing technology. The company has implemented these unique alliances to help increase business on a global level.
    Lamb recently announced strategic alliances and cooperation agreements with Hyundai Motor Corporation's machine tool operation in Korea, and with the Machine Tool Plant of Dongfeng Motor Company, Ltd. of China. Both of the alliances are primarily focused on the manufacture and sales of Lamb's machine tool products for use in new automotive engine and powertrain applications with the respective companies in Korea and China. The agreements also provide additional sources of manufacturing for Lamb's CNC machine tools such as the high-performance Mach 1 twin-spindle horizontal machining center.
    In 2002, Lamb Technicon formed strategic alliances with two Japanese companies: Yasunaga Corporation, a leading supplier of machine tool technology for automotive manufacturing; and Coretec, Inc., a leading supplier of assembly and test equipment used primarily to automate the assembly of engine cylinder heads and automatic transmissions. Those alliances combined Lamb's North American process- and systems-engineering expertise with Japanese-style machine tool technology from the two Japanese partners. The strategy was implemented primarily as a means of gaining entree to Japanese companies operating outside of Japan, typically known as "transplant manufacturers". But the alliances may be expanded to include any company or market seeking "Japanese Style" production equipment.
    "Over the next three years, several Asian and European automotive OEMs are investing in new, high-volume engine and powertrain programs that will require suppliers with proven capabilities for global coordination and performance," said Jim Herrman, Corporate Senior Vice President and Group Executive, UNOVA Industrial Automation Systems. "Lamb's alliances with Yasunaga, Coretec, Hyundai and Dongfeng give these OEMs a strong resource with the ability to supply both the preferred style of equipment and the necessary support anywhere in the world."
    In the area of automobile body assembly, Lamb Technicon Body & Assembly Systems recently formed a strategic alliance with TMS Produktionssysteme GmbH, of Austria, to collaborate on future business opportunities and leverage the respective companies' products and access to international markets. Through this alliance, Lamb and TMS will provide complete solutions for body assembly using the most cost-efficient design and manufacturing solutions from their combined worldwide resources.
    "The concept of uniting our strategic partners' machine tool designs with Lamb's system integration and process expertise can benefit many of our customers' future automotive manufacturing programs," said Jim Herrman. "Our companies are now focused on sharing information between engineers about each other's processes and machine designs so that we are positioned to implement the best technology solution to each customer's application. We are excited about these new alliances and the opportunities they afford to us all."

    About UNOVA Industrial Automation Systems:

    UNOVA Industrial Automation Systems (IAS), headquartered in Chesterfield Township, Mich., combines the engineering, manufacturing and business systems infrastructure of two of the machine tool industry's most respected manufacturers--Cincinnati Machine and Lamb Technicon. In conjunction with the well-known Landis Grinding Systems operation, the company offers technology-driven solutions that add value and productivity to the global manufacturing market.
    Lamb Technicon is the leading North American designer and integrator of high-volume and flexible machining and body assembly systems for the automotive and truck industries. For more information visit www.lambtech.com
    Cincinnati Machine products include composites processing equipment, profilers, routers, and five-axis CNC machining centers, horizontal and vertical machining centers and turning centers. Cincinnati Machine customers include aerospace, heavy equipment and industrial components manufacturers worldwide. Additionally, the company provides the manufacturing industry's most comprehensive package of service and support. For more information visit www.cinmach.com

    About UNOVA, Inc.:

    UNOVA Inc. specializes in the design and integration of manufacturing systems, primarily for the global automotive and aerospace industries. The company is also a leading supplier of automated data collection and mobile computing systems for industrial, distribution and government markets. For more information visit http://www.unova.com