Miniature Precision Components Adds Capacity with Nine Milacron Machines

CINCINNATI, OHIO, July 18, 2005 - Strong service and support from Milacron have led to a productive new relationship with Miniature Precision Components Inc. (MPC), a leader in automotive emission control components honored as the 2004 Processor of the Year by Plastics News. Since late 2004, MPC has purchased nine Milacron machines in various sizes and configurations, including Maxima two-platen, Roboshot all-electric and Magna-V vertical, ranging from 1100 to 80 tons clamp force. The machines represent an investment of approximately $2 million, and have gone to MPC's plants at the Walworth, Wisconsin, headquarters, as well as its operation in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.

Increased sales and growth in new product families warranted the additional machines, according to Rich Simonson, plant manager at MPC's Walworth heavy molding operation. "Large engine shields, thermostat housings, and a variety of other under hood assemblies are driving a good portion of the growth. To date, the machines are performing as promised and expected."

Key factors used to justify Cincinnati Milacron machines, in order of importance, included: service, price, design, and reputation. "The sales team did an excellent job in presenting Milacron to MPC," Simonson added. "They provided 'uncommon' information in a timely fashion to prove their responsiveness. Milacron was very competitive with other machine builders in terms of pricing - cheaper than some, more expensive than others, but overall an excellent balance between cost and quality."

MPC runs a very lean 24/7 production schedule with lead times from molding to vehicle build sometimes less than five days, including transportation and cross docking. Hence, service is of paramount importance. "We simply cannot have machines down," Simonson stressed. MPC was a long-time dedicated shop that standardized on competitors' molding machines. "We were reluctant to bring another brand of machinery into our facilities," he added. "Additional parts, maintenance, different controllers, and required training were all factors that weighed against this decision. All of these concerns have turned out to be non-issues, given Milacron's support."

The TC35 (35 mm conical) twin-screw extruders are mated with Akron Milacron PAK 250 (2.5-inch) single-screw extruders on the VarTek production lines. A lone Akron Milacron PAK 450 (4.5-inch) single-screw extruder is used exclusively to produce flexible vinyl tubing used to plumb portable spas and irrigation systems.

Design and reputation were important, too, given recent industry challenges for injection machinery builders, Simonson added. "A consistent design from a long-time industry leader went a long way in establishing confidence for writing a purchase order for millions of dollars in equipment."

"We are very pleased to have Milacron technology on the production floor of an industry leader such as MPC, a company that is a true benchmark for other U.S. molders," said Milacron marketing director Bob Strickley. "The automotive applications primarily served by MPC are among the most demanding in terms of cost and quality, so you have to do everything right to succeed in that market segment. We're pleased to play a small role on the team that's making this happen every day on MPC's plant floor."

Photo courtesy of Miniature Precision Components Inc. and Bob Cheney.

MPC is a leading automotive original equipment manufacturer of molded and extruded thermoplastic components and assemblies for the major manufacturers. The company was founded in 1972 when Jay Brost patented one of the first plastic check valves for automotive engines. MPC has also diversified into medical, recreational, commercial and consumer products. Headquartered in Walworth, Wisconsin, the company had sales of $167 million in 2004, and has consistently realized a double-digit annual growth rate for more than 10 years. MPC is a privately held company with over 1,600 employees. Sales offices are located in Southfield, Michigan, and Walworth, Wisconsin. Manufacturing plants are located in Wisconsin and Mexico.

First incorporated in 1884, Milacron is a leading global supplier of plastics-processing technologies and industrial fluids, with about 3,500 employees and major manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and Asia. For further information, visit www.milacron.com or call the toll-free investor line: 800-909-MILA (800-909-6452).