Metaldyne Supplies Transfer Case Components to Magna Steyr

PLYMOUTH, Mich., May 15, 2003 -- Metaldyne announced today that it has been awarded a contract to supply nine components for Magna Steyr's Integrated Transfer Case (ITC), which will power a broad range of four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive SUVs for European vehicle manufacturers.

Metaldyne will supply oil pump assemblies, clutch baskets, sprocket shafts, forged input shafts, drive and driven sprockets, hub control clutches, differential side gears and differential pinions. Metaldyne will manufacture the components at five facilities located in both North America and Europe.

"This new business marks a big victory for Metaldyne," said George Thomas, president, Driveline and Transmission Group. "The contract demonstrates the synergies created by Metaldyne's product-focused groups. By combining forging with finished machining and assembly, Metaldyne adds value by reducing and in many cases eliminating costly secondary machining operations for the customer."

Metaldyne adds value to the customer's program by using its advanced net- shape forming capabilities to achieve net features in the primary metal- forming operation. The differential gears have net forged teeth, which save the customer on costly secondary machining operations. The sprocket shafts, which are forged at Metaldyne's Royal Oak, Mich. facility and machined in Bluffton, Ind., are delivered to the customer in finished form, complete with teeth, heat treatment and grinding operations.

About Metaldyne

Metaldyne is a leading global designer and supplier of metal-based components, assemblies and modules for transportation-related powertrain and chassis applications including engine, transmission/transfer case, wheel-end and suspension, axle and driveline, and noise and vibration control products to the motor vehicle industry. The company serves the automotive segment through its Chassis, Driveline & Transmission, and Engine Group.

Headquartered in Plymouth, Mich., Metaldyne has annual revenues of $1.5 billion. The company employs nearly 7,100 employees at over 50 facilities in 11 countries.

For more information, please visit http://www.metaldyne.com/ .