Dana Expands Engine Components Group
15 July 1998
Dana Expands Engine Components Group to Capitalize on Strengths, Synergies of Echlin AcquisitionTOLEDO, Ohio, July 15 -- Dana Corporation today announced that it has expanded its Engine Components Group to capitalize on the strengths and synergies of its July 9, 1998, acquisition of Echlin Inc. Echlin Automotive, the fluid systems operations of Echlin, has become part of Dana's Engine Components Group. It has been renamed Fluid System Products. This group offers a full range of components that pump, transfer, cool, and store the seven fluids critical to a vehicle's operation. These seven fluids are fuel, engine oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission oil, heating fluids, and cooling fluids. Fluid System Products had sales of $1 billion in 1997 and employs more than 9,000 people in 39 facilities in 10 countries. The operations are led by Allan Cameron, who has more than 30 years of automotive industry experience. He joined Echlin in 1984 after the company acquired Continental Hose, which he co-founded. The move marks a return to Dana for Cameron, who previously worked at Dana's Weatherhead Division, a manufacturer of hoses, hose ends, fittings, and valves for industrial applications. The Dana Engine Components Group also produces internal engine hard parts -- including piston rings, cylinder liners, and camshafts -- and sealing products -- such as gaskets and plastic composite and rubber products. Its markets include manufacturers of the more than 122 million engines produced globally each year for vehicular, marine, rail, aerospace, agricultural, and industrial applications. Including Fluid System Products, the Engine Components Group employs approximately 22,500 people in 17 countries. Southwood J. Morcott, Dana chairman and chief executive officer, said, "The combination of Fluid System Products with our existing Engine Components Group makes Dana a $3.6 billion global leader under the hood -- in sealing, engine, and fluid systems. This strategic product lineup presents tremendous potential to provide modular solutions for our customers around the world." Chuck Heine, a 24-year Dana veteran with an engineering and manufacturing background, serves as president of the Engine Components Group. Heine, who most recently led Dana's Asia Pacific operations, is a member of Dana's Strategic Business Council and World Operating Committee. Heine said, "Dana was the first company to seal an entire engine, and we are a worldwide leader in advanced engine systems. The added ability to manage all seven vehicular fluids presents exciting opportunities for the future." One of the world's largest independent suppliers to vehicular, off- highway, and industrial manufacturers and their related aftermarkets, Dana produces components used on more than 95 percent of the world's 600 million motor vehicles. Founded in 1904 and based in Toledo, Ohio, the company operates 270 major facilities in 33 countries spread over six continents and employs more than 79,000 people. The company had pro forma sales of $11.9 billion in 1997. Dana's Internet address is http://www.dana.com.