Donnex L.L.C. to Supply Ready-to-Install Automotive Window Systems
8 October 1997
Donnex L.L.C. to Supply Ready-to-Install Automotive Window Systems
DETROIT, Oct. 8 -- Essex Specialty Products, Inc., based in
Auburn Hills, Michigan, and Donnelly Corporation , based in
Holland, Michigan, today announced that the two companies have agreed to form
the auto industry's first strategic alliance that will design, market, produce
and deliver complete, ready-to-install automotive window systems.
The new company will be named Donnex, L.L.C., and will be a 50/50 joint
venture between the two parent companies. Although no date has been set for
the new company to begin production, it is expected that operations will begin
quickly once Donnex finalizes a number of new business commitments. Donnex is
in detailed discussions with customers in the United States and abroad that
could lead to the use of the technology as early as the 2000 model year.
Donnex will produce and deliver complete, ready-to-install windows and
window systems to automotive customers on a just-in-time basis.
Ready-to-install windows have the primer and adhesives already applied to the
window glass so that they can be installed directly onto the vehicle at
assembly. Donnex will base its initial operations in the Detroit metropolitan
area.
"Donnex will break new ground in establishing windows as a complete
automotive system," said Dwane Baumgardner, Donnelly chairman and chief
executive officer. "For some time, our customers have told us they are highly
interested in exploring the design and manufacturing opportunities that could
be created through complete, ready-to-install window systems delivered just in
time. By forming this strategic alliance with Essex, the leader in automotive
adhesives and sealants, we have created the means to make this concept a
reality."
Donnex will incorporate the complimentary strengths of its parent
companies. Donnelly will contribute its expertise in window systems design
and large volume glass handling, and Essex will contribute its capabilities in
industry-leading adhesive and sealant technologies.
"The industry challenged its suppliers to provide total system solutions,"
said George Braendle, Essex president and chief executive officer. "Essex
will leverage its core competencies with those of Donnelly to produce these
unique window systems. Donnex will set a new industry standard in defining
optimized systems that significantly impact the OEMs' cost and process
objectives."
Donnelly Corporation is an international automotive supplier, dedicated to
serving customers around the globe with high-quality fabricated, molded and
coated glass products. The company has revenues of nearly $700 million and
today employs nearly 5000 people in 11 countries in North America, Europe and
Asia. Donnelly is also recognized as a leader in the application of
participative management, and was named as one of the "Top Ten" in the book,
"The 100 Best Companies To Work For In America." Donnelly's Internet website
is at http://www.donnelly.com.
Essex Specialty Products, Inc., a subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company
, is the world's leading producer of adhesives and sealants for the
automotive industry. With 40 locations worldwide, Essex and its affiliate
companies specialize in the formulation of BETASEAL(TM) glass bonding systems,
BETABRACE(TM) reinforcing composites, BETAFOAM(TM) NVH systems, BETAMATE(TM)
structural adhesives, BETAGUARD(TM) sealers and BETADAMP(TM) acoustical
damping systems. Essex' e-mail address is essexglobal@dow.com.
SOURCE Donnelly Corporation