Metaldyne Wins Contract with Ford to Supply Front Spindle Assembly At New Castle, IN, Plant

PLYMOUTH, Mich., Jan. 20, 2004 -- Metaldyne announced today that it has been awarded a contract with Ford Motor Company to supply front spindle assemblies for a future-model Ford truck at Metaldyne's newly acquired New Castle, Ind. facility.

The front spindle assembly is expected to launch in July and includes a machined casting, machined stem and ball joints.

"This new business award demonstrates Metaldyne's commitment to expanding the New Castle facility's customer base beyond DaimlerChrysler," said Tim Leuliette, Metaldyne chairman, president and CEO. "By combining the New Castle plant's capabilities with Metaldyne's existing chassis products, we add value to our customers' global chassis applications."

Metaldyne purchased the New Castle Machining and Forge plant from DaimlerChrysler on December 31, 2003. From January until December 2003, the facility operated as a joint venture between Metaldyne and DaimlerChrysler.

About Metaldyne

Metaldyne is a leading global designer and supplier of metal-based components, assemblies and modules for the automotive industry. Through its Chassis, Driveline and Transmission, and Engine groups, the company supplies a wide range of products for powertrain and chassis applications for engines, transmission/transfer cases, wheel-ends and suspension systems, axles and driveline systems. Metaldyne is also a globally recognized leader in noise and vibration control products.

Headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan, Metaldyne's annual revenues are approximately $2 billion. The company employs more than 8,000 employees at more than 50 facilities in 11 countries.