Oxford Automotive Announces the Appointment of Jeffrey W. Wilson to the Position of President Oxford Automotive North America

    TROY, Mich.--June 20, 2003--Oxford Automotive, Inc., a $1 billion Tier-1 automotive OEM supplier, in a strategic move to strengthen its North American operations, has appointed Jeffrey W. Wilson to the position of President of its North American Division.
    In this role, Wilson will be responsible for Oxford's business in Canada, the United States, Mexico and a joint venture in Venezuela, reporting directly to John W. Potter, President & CEO. He will be based in Oxford's North American headquarters in Troy, Michigan.
    Prior to joining Oxford, Wilson served as Vice President and Business Group Leader for Tower Automotive - United States and Canada. Tower is a $2.5 billion structural stamping and assembly business similar in nature to Oxford Automotive. Wilson has been with Tower since 1998 and has held a variety of senior-level positions including Business Group Leader for the Body Structures Unit, Regional Business Unit Leader in the Body Stamping and Frame Assembly Unit, as well as Leader of the Milan Stamping and Assembly Business Unit. Wilson's previous experience includes Lear Corporation where he was Plant Operations Manager at their Strasberg, Virginia, Interior Systems Plant. He also held various positions of increasing responsibility at other automotive supplier companies.
    "Oxford is fortunate to have such a competent, seasoned professional in this vital position within our company," said Potter. "His extensive experience in the automotive industry will play a significant role in guiding Oxford to achieve its strategic objectives while positioning the business for future growth and expansion."
    Wilson replaces Forrest Hayford who has been appointed to the newly-formed position of Senior Vice President Operations - North America. Hayford will report directly to Wilson and will be based in Oxford's North American Headquarters in Troy, MI. His responsibilities will include all North American manufacturing operations, quality and supply chain management.
    Oxford's North American business represents approximately half the global configuration of the company. With sales of nearly $500 million annually, Oxford North America provides specialized welded assemblies, control arms and leaf springs for its automotive customers. This important business unit employs approximately 3,000 people. It's network of 14 plants and facilities throughout North America (8 U.S., 4 Mexico, 1 Canada and 1 Venezuela) are strategically located to provide world-class just-in-time delivery for its OEM customers.
    Wilson holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from James Madison University and a Masters of Business Administration from Shenandoah University.
    Oxford Automotive, Inc., headquartered in Troy, Michigan, is a leading full-service supplier of specialized metal-formed assemblies and related services to the automotive industry. Oxford currently has 7000 employees at 33 locations in 9 countries around the world.