ZF Completes Expansion of Lapeer, Michigan Facility

NORTHVILLE, Mich., Oct. 5, 2004 -- ZF -- a leading worldwide automotive supplier of driveline and chassis technology -- opened the 85,000 square-foot expansion of its Lapeer, Mich., facility today.

With the expansion, the plant now totals 160,000 square feet and will provide suspension components for domestic automakers. Additionally, it is expected to create 75 to 100 new jobs. ZF has owned the facility since 1999.

"This expansion is a key step in our chassis and suspension business within North America," said Jim Stacey, President and COO, ZF Chassis Technology Division. "It allows us to create capacity within the division and prepare for future business."

The Lapeer plant recently received ISO/TS 16949 Certification, and was certified ISO 14001 during 2001.

ZF Friedrichshafen AG is a leading worldwide supplier of driveline and chassis technology. Headquartered in Friedrichshafen, Germany, ZF is among the 15 largest automotive suppliers in the world. The company has a total workforce of 53,500 at 119 locations in 25 countries, and combined revenues for the group totaled more than $10 billion in 2003.

ZF operates a large manufacturing network in North America, combined with global research and development capabilities, to provide advanced technology to the region. The ZF Group North American Operations Technical Center is located in Northville, Michigan.