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Tower Automotive and Defiance Services Announce Joint Venture

24 March 2000

Tower Automotive, Inc., and Defiance Testing & Engineering Services, Inc., Announce Product Technology and Development Joint Venture

    GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., March 23 Tower Automotive, Inc. and Defiance Testing & Engineering
Services, Inc., a subsidiary of GenTek Inc. today announced the
formation of a product technology and development joint venture.  The joint
venture, DTA Development, located in Westland, Mich., is expected to be fully
operational in the third quarter of 2000 and will provide product testing
services primarily to Tower.
    Tower Automotive utilizes internal and external product testing
extensively to validate complex systems during the development stage of a
program.  The joint venture will allow Tower Automotive to have access to a
broader and more cost efficient range of testing capabilities.  DTA
Development will blend the benefits of chassis product technology and
development activities with leading edge commercial testing services.
    Tower Automotive has a global expertise in frame, suspension and module
design and manufacturing while Defiance is a leading provider of advanced
automotive testing and product development services.
    Tower Automotive, Inc., produces a broad range of assemblies and modules
for vehicle structures and suspension systems for automotive manufacturers,
including Ford, DaimlerChrysler, GM, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Isuzu, Fiat, BMW
and Volkswagen.  Products include large structural and exposed metal (Class A)
assemblies, body structural assemblies such as pillars and package trays,
control arms, suspension components and modules, engine cradles and full frame
assemblies.  The company is based in Grand Rapids, Mich., and has its
corporate office in Minneapolis, Minn.
    Defiance provides a full range of testing and product development services
to its automotive and non-automotive clients.  GenTek Inc., is a
technology-driven manufacturer of telecommunications equipment, automotive
components, and performance chemicals.  The company maintains global
leadership positions in a number of high-growth markets, including connectors
for telecommunications and data networks, precision automotive valve-train
components, and performance chemicals for electronic, technology, and
pharmaceutical markets.  For additional information, visit GenTek's Web site
at http://www.gentek-global.com