Chrysler Group Announces General Contractors for Toledo Supplier Park Project

* DaimlerChrysler Corp., Kuka Group and Ohio Module Manufacturing Company contract with Walbridge, Ohio-based Rudolph/Libbe Inc. * Haden names DeMattia Group * Construction to generate significant volume of business for the Toledo area

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., March 17 -- The Chrysler Group and its three co-location suppliers today named two general contractors to design and to build the new supplier park facilities within DaimlerChrysler's Toledo Assembly complex. Chrysler Group, the Kuka Group and Hyundai Mobis- owned Ohio Module Manufacturing Company (OMMC) awarded the construction work to Walbridge, Ohio-based Rudolph/Libbe Inc. Haden has selected DeMattia Group of Plymouth, Mich., as its general contractor.

The assignment of these general contractors marks a milestone in DaimlerChrysler's innovative manufacturing plans for Toledo. This project will feature the most advanced use of supplier co-location yet in North America. Part of a $2.1 billion total program investment, the project will use on-site suppliers to help produce a family of future vehicles for sale worldwide. The three suppliers are responsible for building and managing manufacturing facilities for body (Kuka Group), paint (Haden) and chassis operations (OMMC) within the plant footprint. Chrysler Group will build and manage a new trim and final assembly facility.

"Rudolph/Libbe Inc. was the general contractor who best met our specific criteria for quality, system cost, technology and delivery," said Peter Rosenfeld, Executive Vice President - Procurement and Supply, Chrysler Group. "Construction is the important first step toward completion of our advanced and unique supplier park project in Toledo."

The contract between Chrysler Group and Rudolph/Libbe Inc. sets a goal of 20 percent minority company participation for the subcontractor portion of the work. The general contractor is also expected to assign several other subcontractors from the Toledo region. The following companies have already been named:

  - Dynamic Contracting Inc. (Toledo, Ohio)
  - Akron Rebar Kuhlman Corporation (Akron, Ohio)
  - Fred Christen & Sons (Maumee, Ohio)
  - GEM Industrial Inc. (Walbridge, Ohio)
  - Accel Fire Protection (Sylvania, Ohio)
  - Industrial Power System (Toledo, Ohio)
  - Kuhlman Concrete (Maumee, Ohio)
  - Shambaugh and Son Fire Protection (Toledo, Ohio)
  - TTL (Toledo, Ohio)
  - Ghafari Associates (Dearborn, Michigan)

The first stage of construction for the new facilities in Toledo has already begun. Work is scheduled to be completed in the last quarter of 2005, with vehicle production slated to begin in 2006.

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