India Embraces CuproBraze, Says International Copper Association; Deccan Announces Plans to Braze Copper-Brass Heat Exchangers

NEW YORK--Sept. 12, 2006--The Indian automotive industry is adopting CuproBraze(R), a new technology for joining copper fins to brass tubes in the production of mobile heat exchangers.

Deccan Radiators & Pressings Ltd., a large heat exchanger manufacturers based in Coimbatore in South India, for example, exhibited CuproBraze radiators and charge air coolers at a major automotive exposition in India earlier this year. The exhibit generated much interest among Indian automotive OEMs and, as a result, Deccan announced plans to establish a CuproBraze production line to manufacture copper-brass heat exchangers for its customers. Deccan produces 36,000 radiators annually for trucks, cars, tractors and industrial equipment.

Several other heat exchanger manufacturers and vehicle OEMs in India have expressed interest in the CuproBraze process. According to Nigel Cotton, Automotive Manager for the International Copper Association, heat exchanger manufacturers must first identify OEM customers who are committed to this new technology before investing in CuproBraze production lines. Generally, OEMs are eager to adopt the technology because it is versatile and flexible. CuproBraze can be used to make radiators and charge air coolers for heavy-duty highway trucks, off-road equipment and passenger vehicles.

Acceptance of the CuproBraze technology in India stems from three factors: reparability, corrosion resistance and emission requirements. Reparability and durability are especially important for remote regions like Northern India, which may be hundreds of miles from the nearest parts warehouse.

Although Deccan presently only manufactures radiators, it plans to make new products such as charge air coolers and oil coolers using CuproBraze technology. "CuproBraze is a strong contender for future engine cooling systems," said Sunil Haridass, director of Deccan Radiators & Pressings, Ltd. "Using CuproBraze technology, we can offer superior and cost-effective products."

"The extraordinary growth of the Indian automotive market and the demand for superior heat exchangers is creating interest in CuproBraze," says Nigel Cotton. "Indian companies will soon join the growing number of manufacturers in Europe, Asia and North America that are reaping the benefits of CuproBraze products."

For more details about CuproBraze technology, contact the International Copper Association, (212) 251-7245 or write to ICA at 260 Madison Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10016-2401.

The International Copper Association, Ltd. is the leading organization for the promotion of the use of copper worldwide. The Association's twenty-nine members represent about 80 percent of the world's refined copper output, and its six associate members are among the world's largest copper and copper-alloy fabricators. ICA is responsible for guiding policy, strategy and funding of international initiatives and promotional activities. With headquarters in New York City, ICA operates in 28 worldwide locations through a network of regional offices and copper development associations.