Cooper Standard Automotive Opens NVH Control Systems Manufacturing Facility in Kunshan, China

NOVI, Mich., Nov. 1, 2004 -- Cooper Standard Automotive, a global supplier of automotive components, has begun operations in Kunshan, China, for the manufacture and sales of automotive noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) control systems. The company will soon break ground for an expanded manufacturing, research and development facility in the city.

Cooper Standard Automotive is running current Chinese NVH operations in an existing facility in Kunshan. Construction of an expanded manufacturing facility, that will include research and development operations, will begin soon with completion scheduled for the 4th quarter of 2005. Full manufacturing will start at the end of 2005. This new facility will offer Cooper Standard's complete product portfolio of engine mounts, body mounts, bushings and other NVH control systems components. In addition to manufacturing, the company intends to establish full product development capability at this location to serve the Chinese automotive market and Asia in general.

The Kunshan location was chosen for its excellent logistics, the availability of qualified materials suppliers, as well as a pool of readily available workers. The facility will be located in the China Kunshan Economic & Technical Development Zone in the eastern part of the Jiangsu Province. This operation is strategically located near the heart of the Chinese automotive market.

With the launch of this operation, Cooper Standard brings over 40 years automotive experience in the manufacturing of NVH control systems components to the Chinese automotive market. "The Kunshan facility is an important element of our ongoing Asian strategy," said Jim McElya, president of Cooper Standard Automotive. "We are now positioned to launch our NVH business in Asia to serve the component needs of our Chinese customers and other global OEM customers," he said.

Company Description

Cooper Standard Automotive, headquartered in Novi, Michigan, specializes in the manufacture and marketing of products for the global automotive industry. Products include sealing systems, trim, NVH control systems and fluid handling systems. Cooper Standard Automotive has more than 15,000 employees and 40 manufacturing facilities in 14 countries. For more information, visit the Company's web site at: http://www.cooperstandard.com/ .