---

New Aluminum Casting Facility Opens in Northern Mexico

29 March 1999

New Aluminum Casting Facility Opens in Northern Mexico

    SALTILLO, Coah., Mexico--(AutomotiveWire)--March 26, 1999-- Mexican President, Dr. Ernesto Zedillo Ponce de Leon, presided at the official opening of CASTECH, S.A., a new high volume aluminum foundry in Northern Mexico.
    Castech was formed by a joint venture between CIFUNSA Foundry and VAW Motor which are the world's largest independent head and block foundries for iron and aluminum respectively.
    The $35 million USD, 130,000 square foot facility will initially be capable of 750,000 units per year utilizing the semi permanent mold process. Expansion capabilities will allow up to 2.0 million heads or blocks per year with optional processes of sand package or high pressure die. Operations will start with 9000 tonnes of melt capacity for 356-T6 material.
    First production will be for a cylinder head supplied to GM's St. Catharines Engine Plant in Canada commencing with model year 2000. The venture will target OEM customers in North or South America for cylinder blocks and heads.