Diecaster Contech receives new automotive business

Modern Casting, March, 2008

Contech U.S. LLC, Portage, Mich., recently was awarded new aluminum diecasting business by American Axle & Manufacturing, Detroit, for multiple castings used on General Motors (GM) platforms.

Contech, a Marathon Automotive Group Company, was awarded the contract for a new axle carrier and cover to be used on the GM Epsilon II platform. The parts will be launched for the 2009 and 2010 model years and represent $6.7 million in new sales, according to a release issued by Contech.

The diecaster also was awarded business lost by a failed supplier for the axle carrier, cover and two disconnect housings used on the GMT-360/370 platform and the adjuster nut housing used on the GMT-900 platform. This business represents an additional $7.1 million in sales.

The new automotive castings are being produced at Contech's plants in Auburn, Ind., and Dowagiac, Mich.

"This is an important award for a valued customer as we focus our efforts on expanding our casting presence in the high integrity aluminum axle market," said Mark Hunter, Contech president.