Automation Alley Technology Center Collaborates To Bring Automotive Innovations To New Markets, Segments

TROY, Mich., Aug. 23, 2006 -- The Automation Alley Technology Center, in conjunction with Southeast Michigan's business community, is working to commercialize a wide variety of automotive spin-off technologies with potential for growth in non-traditional markets. The range of support and resources offered by the Technology Center, including seed funding, business plan development and a network of knowledgeable mentors and experts, is resulting in a number of benefits for the automotive business community, including the potential for significant economic expansion.

Following a Tri-Corridor Commercialization award of $1 million from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Technology Center support in the form of $100,000 in seed funding and business development assistance, Delphi spin-off SpaceForm, which is commercializing new applications of Deformation Resistance Welding (DRW) technology, established its corporate headquarters at TechTown, Detroit's research and development park. Delphi, in collaboration with SpaceForm, has been developing DRW under multi-year, multi-million dollar grants from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), provided through the Michigan Research Institute. The grants will further the development of DRW, a process that enables designers and engineers to reduce part count and cost without sacrificing structural integrity or rigidity through using tubed sheet metal instead of stampings. In addition to benefiting the automotive industry, DRW has potential for application in new markets and segments, including aerospace and medical equipment.

"The automotive industry faces a global economic challenge in regards to profitability and competitiveness," said Tom Anderson, senior director, Automation Alley, director, Automation Alley Technology Center and interim chairman, SpaceForm. "Through introducing automotive technology to non- automotive markets, the industry has an opportunity to re-focus, expand its reach and achieve significant financial growth."

"The support of the Automation Alley Technology Center is a key catalyst for us," said Jayson Pankin, new venture creation specialist, Delphi Technologies, Inc. "Together, we are developing and implementing business strategies that may result in far-reaching benefits for the automotive community and the State of Michigan at-large."

SpaceForm was recently awarded the 2006 Michigan Corporate Partnership Award, which honors partnerships between Michigan companies and local individuals or groups benefiting the technology community.

The Automation Alley Technology Center and Delphi Technologies are currently collaborating on additional products with potential application outside the automotive industry.

About Automation Alley

Automation Alley drives the growth and image of Southeast Michigan's technology economy through a collaborative culture that focuses on workforce and business development initiatives.

More than 630 businesses, educational institutions and government entities belong to Automation Alley, covering an eight county area and the City of Detroit. Automation Alley promotes regional prosperity through the Automation Alley International Business Center, which provides business attraction services and exporting assistance; the Automation Alley Technology Center, which brings together businesses, educators and government to help entrepreneurs accelerate technology commercialization; and the GLIMA Network, a state-wide association for individuals engaged with and involved in technology-oriented industries.

For more information, visit http://www.automationalley.com/ .