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Tower Automotive, Inc. Completes Mexican Partnership Arrangement

9 October 1997

Tower Automotive, Inc. Completes Mexican Partnership Arrangement

    MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 9 -- Tower Automotive, Inc. and
Promotora de Empresas Zano, S.A. de C.V., today announced that they have
completed an agreement to become partners in Metalsa, the largest vehicle
frame and structures supplier in Mexico, under which Tower acquired a
40 percent interest in Metalsa.  In addition, the parties have entered into a
technology sharing arrangement that will enable both companies to utilize the
latest available product and process technology.
    Metalsa's operations are headquartered in Monterrey, Mexico, with
manufacturing facilities in Monterrey and San Luis Potosi, Mexico.  Revenues
for the year ended December 31, 1996 and eight months ended August 31, 1997
were $160 million and $125 million, respectively.  Customers include Chrysler,
General Motors, Ford, Nissan and Mercedes Benz.
    Tower Automotive, Inc., produces a broad range of stamped and welded
assemblies for vehicle body structures and suspension systems for the
automotive manufacturers, including Ford, Chrysler, General Motors, Honda,
Toyota, Nissan, Mazda and Fiat.  Products include body structural assemblies
such as pillars and package trays, control arms, suspension links, engine
cradles and full frame assemblies.  The Company has its operating headquarters
in Grand Rapids, Mich., and a corporate office in Minneapolis, Minn.

SOURCE  Tower Automotive, Inc.