Metaldyne Positions Powertrain Group for Growth With New Leadership Roles

PLYMOUTH, Mich., July 30, 2007 -- Metaldyne today announced Peter Becker has been appointed vice president and general manager of Vibration Control Products, Powertrain Group. In addition, Juergen Depp, vice president of sales and engineering for the Powertrain Group in Europe, has an expanded role that now includes global product engineering and customer service for Vibration Control Products.

These moves further strengthen Metaldyne's global footprint, technical expertise and program launch capability as well as expand its customer base.

"We are structuring Metaldyne to be a strong, globally competitive company that understands and supports global markets, cultures and customers and delivers leading-edge products worldwide," said Tom Chambers, president and COO. "Peter and Juergen have extensive experience in powertrain engineering, sales and quality, which will advance our global strategy and help us deliver the products our customers demand."

Vibration Control Products produces engine and driveline components and systems such as crankshaft vibration dampers, isolation pulleys and viscous dampers for the global automotive industry.

Becker will lead Metaldyne's efforts to develop and manufacture solutions that help Metaldyne's customers improve their vehicles' NVH characteristics for a quieter ride. He joins Metaldyne from Federal-Mogul Corporation in Southfield, Mich., where he served as vice president, customer satisfaction, and was responsible for the development of customer satisfaction and business improvement efforts. Prior to that, he was CEO of the German company FAG Komponenten AG. Becker also served as president of LuK North America in Wooster, Ohio, and held a variety of leadership positions with Valeo and ITT Automotive.

Becker received his degree (Dipl.-Ing.) in mechanical engineering from the Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany.

As Metaldyne's vice president of sales and engineering, Powertrain, Europe, Depp is responsible for the Powertrain Group's marketing, sales and product engineering for that region. He will now oversee global product engineering and customer service for Metaldyne's Vibration Control Products operation.

Since January 1, 2004, he has also served as managing director of Metaldyne International Deutschland GmbH, the Powertrain Group's Technical Center in Dieburg, Germany.

Prior to joining Metaldyne, Depp held positions in engineering management, account management and sales with various European suppliers.

Depp received his degrees (Dipl.-Ing. and Dr.-Ing.) in mechanical engineering at the Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany.