Visteon and Automotive Components Holdings Recognized As Finalist In Prestigious Automotive News PACE Award Competition
March 16, 2006
VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- Visteon Corporation (NYSE: VC - News) and Automotive Components Holdings, LLC are a finalist in the 2006 Automotive News PACE Award competition. The 12th annual PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers' Contribution to Excellence) Award is presented by Automotive News, Microsoft, SAP and Transportation Research Center Inc. (TRC Inc.).
Visteon and Automotive Components Holdings are being recognized for the Two-Color One-Shot - Mold Flow Control Process. This innovation uses a simultaneous-shot injection molding process to achieve a two-tone appearance for mold-in-color polypropylene instrument panels, replacing the traditional method of masking and painting instrument panels. The process significantly reduces tooling costs, cycle time and scrap, with the added benefit of offering increased recyclability and styling options to automakers. The process is in use for production of instrument panels for the award-winning 2005 Ford Mustang at Automotive Components Holdings' Saline plant.
"There's a styling trend in automotive interiors migrating away from monotone instrument panels," said John Kill, Visteon senior vice president and president, North America product group. "The inhibitor to this has always been the cost and the associated environmental issues with paint. The two-color simultaneous-shot injection molding process solves this problem by providing a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way for automakers to achieve multicolor styling for a vehicle. We're proud of the people behind this innovation and the commitment they've shown to meeting our customers' needs."
"The team at Saline Plant developed a manufacturing process that cost- effectively delivered high-quality repeatable parts, reduced scrap and improved scratch resistance," said Michael McCarney, vice president of plastics and exteriors, Automotive Components Holdings. "They continue to demonstrate innovative thinking to meet the customer's design intent and brand requirements for the next application."
Recognizing superior innovation, technological advancement and business performance, the Automotive News PACE Award is open to suppliers that contribute products, processes, materials or services directly to the manufacture of cars or trucks. The award is accepted around the world as the industry symbol of innovation.
Visteon and Automotive Components Holdings are a finalist in the Manufacturing Process and Capital Equipment category, which recognizes game- changing innovations in the design and implementation of manufacturing solutions that enable companies to improve operational performance or delivery of services.
The Automotive News PACE Award also recognizes suppliers' superiority in three additional categories: Product; Product - Europe; and Information Technology and Services.
Visteon and Automotive Components Holdings have undergone an extensive review process -- including a site visit -- by industry, academic and business leaders who select the award winners. Winners will be announced at a gala ceremony in Detroit on April 3, 2006.
Automotive Components Holdings, LLC is a temporary business managed by Ford Motor Company with headquarters in Dearborn, Mich. Its goal is to provide Ford Motor Company the ability to obtain competitively priced, high-quality components and systems by preparing Saline and 11 other plants in the U.S. and Mexico for sale.
Visteon Corporation is a leading global automotive supplier that designs, engineers and manufactures innovative climate, interior, electronic and lighting products for vehicle manufacturers, and also provides a range of products and services to aftermarket customers. With corporate offices in Van Buren Township, Mich. (U.S.); Shanghai, China; and Kerpen, Germany; the company has more than 170 facilities in 24 countries and employs approximately 50,000 people.
