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Lattimore and Tessmer Expand Sheet Metal Capabilities; Cut Time, Expense

22 October 1999

Lattimore and Tessmer Expand Sheet Metal Capabilities; Cut Time, Expense

    SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Oct. 22 -- Lattimore and Tessmer, a
producer of prototype sheet metal stampings and parts for the transportation
industry, today introduced customers to its new state-of-the-art 5,512 ton
Schuler hydraulic multi-purpose press.  The tubular hydroforming press will
significantly reduce time and cost requirements by producing components faster
and resulting in lighter, stronger and fewer parts.
    Tubular hydroforming is a pressurized hydraulic forming process used to
produce complex shapes in tubular components.  The technology is of keen
interest to the automotive industry because of its ability to reduce the
number of component parts in assemblies, resulting in components that weigh
less, can be produced quicker, and have improved structural integrity.  This
allows manufacturers to realize substantial cost savings in both tooling and
labor.  The tubular hydroforming press will enable Lattimore and Tessmer's
customers to test production tooling as well as produce hydroformed, stamping,
or compression molded prototype parts without interrupting its existing
production.
    "We are continuously investigating improvements in technological
innovations and new product development to meet and exceed the stringent
requirements of the automotive industry," said Scott Lattimore, Executive Vice
President.  "With the addition of this new press, we will achieve further
tooling cost reductions as well as labor and material, ultimately helping
everyone involved."
    Lattimore and Tessmer is a privately held corporation headquartered in
Southfield, Mich.  The company is committed to providing its automotive
customers with sheet metal prototype parts for product development programs.
Founded in 1955, Lattimore and Tessmer's mission is to support its customer
base with the product development resources required to bring their products
to market in a timely and cost-effective manner.