Toyota Selects Metaldyne as Development Supplier for Chassis Parts in New Castle, IN

PLYMOUTH, Mich., March 9 -- Metaldyne announced today that it has been selected as a pre-production supplier by Toyota to supply several chassis components for a future Toyota program at Metaldyne's newly acquired New Castle, Ind. facility.

The business, which is valued at approximately $10 million annually, is expected to launch in late 2006.

"This first piece of new business from Toyota 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 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, and Engine Groups.

Headquartered in Plymouth, Mich., Metaldyne has annual revenues of nearly $2 billion. The company employs over 7,500 men and women at nearly 50 facilities in 13 countries.