Metaldyne Names Linda Theisen Vice President of Purchasing

PLYMOUTH, Mich., Oct. 30, 2003 -- Metaldyne announced today that Linda Theisen has joined the company as vice president of purchasing, effective November 3, 2003. Theisen will report to the Metaldyne Presidents' Council, consisting of Joe Nowak, Chassis Group president; Bruce Swift, Driveline & Transmission Group president and George Thanopoulos, Engine Group president. Swift, who also serves as executive champion for the supply chain management organization, made the announcement.

In this role, Theisen will be responsible for the procurement operation and materials management system throughout the Metaldyne organization. She will concentrate on total acquisition cost from engineering design through strategic sourcing, procurement, planning, logistics and order fulfillment.

"We are excited to welcome Linda to Metaldyne," said Swift. "Her purchasing background will be a great asset to our organization as we continue to align our purchasing objectives across the organization and globalize the Metaldyne buy."

Theisen brings over 15 years of purchasing experience to Metaldyne. She most recently worked as vice president, purchasing for AutoAlliance, International, a Mazda Motors/Ford Motor Company joint venture. Prior to AutoAlliance, Theisen worked in various purchasing positions for Ford Motor Company including director, interior and electrical purchasing for Ford Europe in London, England for two years. In this position, she oversaw $3 billion in annual turnover for Ford of Europe's interior and electrical commodities.

She has also worked as Ford Motor Company purchasing manager, powertrain operations; supervisor, strategic planning, purchasing; and buyer, production purchasing.

Theisen holds a Master's degree in Labor Relations as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Packaging Engineering from Michigan State University. She resides in Livonia, Mich.

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 over 7,250 employees at nearly 50 facilities in 11 countries.

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