Dana Corporation Expands Into Czech Republic

FRANKFURT, Germany, Sept. 10 -- Dana Corporation announced today it will construct a new manufacturing facility in Kadan, Czech Republic. Construction of the facility is expected to begin in 2004.

"The opening of this facility further strengthens Dana's ability to respond quickly and effectively to marketplace demands," said company Chairman and CEO Joe Magliochetti. "The move demonstrates our commitment to the Eastern European market and expands our ability to provide innovative products to our global customers."

The new 52,000 sq. ft. (4,800 sq. m.) facility will manufacture automotive heat exchangers and will employ approximately 200 people.

The plant will supply automotive Tier I and original equipment manufacturers mainly in Germany and Eastern Europe. The town of Kadan is near the German border, approximately 60 miles (100 kilometers) northwest of Prague.

"We continue to grow our business in Europe," said Mike Laisure, president of Dana's Engine and Fluid Management Group. "We selected the Czech Republic because of its accessibility to qualified, skilled labor and its proximity to current and potential customers."

Dana has been working with CzechInvest, part of the Czech Republic's Ministry of Industry and Trade, for site selection and development, in addition to local supplier development, financing, logistics, and employee recruitment.

Dana Corporation is a global leader in the design, engineering, and manufacture of value-added products and systems for automotive, commercial, and off-highway vehicle manufacturers and their related aftermarkets. The company employs approximately 60,000 people worldwide. Founded in 1904 and based in Toledo, Ohio, Dana operates hundreds of technology, manufacturing, and customer service facilities in 30 countries. The company reported sales of $9.5 billion in 2002.