New Contracts Will Provide Dramatic Growth for Donnelly Complete Outside Mirror Business

18 July 2000
New Contracts Will Provide Dramatic Growth for Donnelly Complete Outside Mirror Business

    HOLLAND, Mich. - Donnelly Corporation has won its largest-ever order for 
complete outside mirrors, the company announced today.  With this new order, 
Donnelly will supply mirrors for a North American light truck program which is 
expected to generate annual sales of about $32 million per year over the life of 
the program.

    Beginning in early 2003, Donnelly will produce the mirrors from its
operations in Newaygo, Michigan.  Depending on the trim level, the mirrors
will include a range of technologically advanced features, such as
electrochromic dimming, supplemental turn signals, heat and memory.

    "This is an important next step for Donnelly as the world's largest
automotive mirror supplier," said Dwane Baumgardner, chairman and chief
executive officer.  "The size, scope and technological complexity of this
program will help us expand our leadership role for complete outside mirrors
that offer best-in-class design, price and advanced technology."

    Complete outside mirrors are ready-for-installation units that include the
mirror glass, mirror housing, mounting hardware and any added features such as
the actuators and wiring harnesses for power adjustment.  The mirror housings
are often painted to color match the vehicle.  Donnelly entered the market for
complete exterior mirror systems in 1987, and the product segment has grown
dramatically since then.  With this order, the company will grow its North
American market share for complete outside mirrors to about 25 percent.

    Donnelly is a technology-driven, customer-focused automotive supplier that
has been based in Holland, Michigan, since 1905.  Through its various product
lines, Donnelly serves every major automotive manufacturer in the world.  The
company has approximately 6,100 employees in 12 countries worldwide.  Donnelly
has been named by the Society of Automotive Engineers as a model company in
lean manufacturing practices.  In addition, Donnelly is nationally recognized
as a leader in the application of participative management principles and
systems.