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Thyssen Production Systems Creates Global Assembly Business

21 June 1999

Thyssen Production Systems Creates Global Assembly Business

    ESSEN, Germany, June 18 -- Thyssen Production Systems (TPS)
announced today that it has further focused its assembly business on a global
basis by aligning its Gilman operation in Janesville, Wis., with Johann A.
Krause Maschinenfabrik GmbH in Bremen, Germany, to form a global assembly
business to better serve customers worldwide.
    With this change, Robert D. Kamphuis has been named President of Gilman,
reporting now to Michael Kromker, Executive TPS Board Member and President of
Johann A. Krause Maschinenfabrik GmbH and its worldwide operations.
    "With this latest evolution of our business, we have strengthened our
efforts to create a seamless organization to meet customer requirements
anywhere in the world for cost-effective, innovative assembly solutions,"
Kromker said.  "The new organization offers customers worldwide the best in
design, manufacturing and service from two renowned names in the business --
Krause and Gilman."
    From its headquarters in Bremen, Germany, and its North American center in
Auburn Hills, Mich., Krause offers complete aggregate assembly systems and
test systems for engines, transmissions and axles.  Gilman, formerly a
division of Giddings & Lewis, Inc., offers assembly solutions for the
automotive, appliance, commercial and industrial markets.  Giddings & Lewis
merged with Thyssen AG in 1997.
    "Working more closely together will benefit both businesses and provide
significant advantages to our customers," Kamphuis said.  "Krause is a world-
class company with a strong and growing market position. Gilman is a leader in
customized assembly solutions with a breadth of product and applications
capabilities known industry-wide.  Together, Krause and Gilman will offer
assembly customers access to best global practices to meet their needs now and
in the future."
    Thyssen Production Systems, headquartered in Essen, Germany, focuses its
international activities on development, production and service, with the main
emphasis on metalcutting machine tools, automated assembly, and production
systems for autobody manufacture.