Durakon Expands Application of Its Paint Film Technology With General Motors

GM's Lucerne to Begin High Volume Production of Thermoformed Paint Film Exterior Parts

LAPEER, Mich., Jan. 4 -- Durakon Industries, a leading provider of thermoformed products and paint film technology to the automotive industry, announced today that General Motors will begin high volume application of the company's thermoformed paint film rocker panel.

Over the past several years, Durakon has been a leading industry supplier focused on developing and introducing exterior automotive parts produced by combining thermoforming with paint film technology. Combining these technologies with substantial investments has resulted in a number of important benefits for OEM's over traditional injection molded painted parts. These advantages include enhanced durability, reduced tooling and piece costs, accelerated time to market, and an environmentally friendly atmosphere.

"Our initial efforts and products were directed at niche vehicles or lower volume applications and those earlier results were impressive and lauded by the industry," said Ed Gniewek, Chief Executive Officer of Durakon. "This decision by GM to expand use of our thermoformed paint film products to its high production Lucerne model reflects the level of design, technology and quality that we have been able to deliver to the industry on a consistent basis."

It is expected that 250,000 rocker panels will be produced annually for GM and provided in 12 color pallets.

"The program with GM had a very successful launch as a result of the collaborative efforts between Durakon and the GM Engineering, Purchasing and Vehicle Operations personnel," said Len Damico, Vice President of OEM Sales.

Durakon's thermoformed paint film products are also in use on the Jeep Liberty Renegade, the 9-7 Saab and the Chevrolet SSR. The Society of Plastics Engineers have recognized Durakon and its OEM customers by presenting a number of awards over the past several years for technical achievements and commercialization successes in thermoforming and application of paint film.

In addition to its paint film process, Durakon is the largest producer of cargo covers to the automobile industry. The company currently supplies twin- sheet thermoformed cargo covers and side storage boxes to the OEM market as well as bedliners, tonneau covers and cargo management systems for the Aftermarket. Durakon is one of the world's largest and most successful thermoformers of cargo management systems and the company's thermoformed products have been extremely well received by the automotive industry. Durakon thermoformed and paint film products have won prestigious awards from the Society of Plastic Engineers and Frost & Sullivan for functionality, aesthetics and durability.

About Durakon

Durakon is the world's leading supplier of vehicle protection products and cargo management systems and a leader in paint film decorated products. Durakon products include bedliners, tonneau covers, roll-out cargo bed trays, storage boxes and thermoformed paint film products. Durakon's brands include Duraliner(R), AllStar(R), Patriot(R), CargoPro(R), and Duracover(TM). For more information about the Durakon product line and newer technologies such as paint film technology, contact Durakon at (248) 324-0118 or visit the website at http://www.durakon.com/.