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Trexel Issues MuCell™ Licenses to Five Major Automotive SuppliersMuCell™ Microcellular Process Technology Attracting Automotive Tier One Suppliers Worldwide June 19, 2000 - Woburn, MA - Trexel, Inc., the worldwide leader in the development and commercialization of MuCell Microcellular Process Technology, announced today that it has entered into licensing agreements with five major suppliers of automotive parts. The new Trexel licensees include JCI (Europe), MAGNA EYBL (Europe), MIG Plastics (U.S.), INOAC (Japan), and Takagi Seiko (Japan). Under the terms of the agreement, each of these companies is licensed to produce injection molded parts using Trexel's MuCell™ Microcellular Process Technology. Trexel will provide local technical, process, equipment, and licensing support to each of the licensees in collaboration with the various equipment suppliers (Engel, Husky, and JSW). David Bernstein, President and CEO of Trexel, stated, "All of these automotive suppliers have taken a close look at the technology and we are delighted with their positive decision to purchase MuCell Licenses. This will contribute greatly to Trexel's growing worldwide presence in the automotive industry and no doubt will lead to many new applications." Dan Szczurko, Trexel Vice President of Business Development, stated, "The fact that Trexel has been able to sign MuCell Licensees with five new tier one automotive suppliers in such a short period of time is indicative of the growing demand for the MuCell process. We believe this is directly attributable to the benefits the process provides, like controlled weight reductions and significantly lower cavity pressure, viscosity, and melting temperatures. Because of these cost and processing benefits, our customers are looking to MuCell for automotive applications like in-mold decorating, insert molding, HVAC under-dash components, interior systems, and under-hood components." Dr. Oliver Becker, Manager Thermoplastics of JCI's Advanced Manufacturing Division, stated, "With the decision to purchase an injection molding machine dedicated strictly to the development of new materials and technologies for automotive interior applications, JCI again has demonstrated its commitment to exceeding customers expectations through continuous improvements in quality, cost and technology. This is exemplified by the MuCell-equipped machine's ability to reduce part weight and to reduce cavity pressure during the part forming process, which will enable us to eliminate stress, warpage, and sink marks." Dr. Peter Walter, Senior Manager R&D for MAGNA EYBL stated, "MAGNA EYBL introduced the first in-mold decorated interior trim parts using the Low Pressure Injection Molding process into the automotive market about ten years ago and has been the global market leader in that field since then. Having carefully examined the potentials of the MuCell process especially for in-mold decoration we decided to invest in this technology. The new injection molding machine will be used to develop a new generation of interior trim parts with the focus on reduced weight and high surface quality for our customers." Mark Mignin, President of MIG Plastics, said, "We have purchased from Husky Injection Molding Systems a MuCell™-capable 2,200 ton injection molding machine and robot. The new machine, which will be used for automotive applications, will be integrated and optimized at Husky's Detroit Technical Center where it will be used for mold trials and application testing. Afterwards, it will be shipped to our new facility in Morenci, MI. We believe the combination of new equipment and optimized process will significantly lower part cost through faster cycles, part weight reduction, and higher output." Junichi Koshino, Director of Technical Development for Takagi Seiko, stated, "It is the corporate philosophy of Takagi Seiko to pursue new challenges and continually strive to improve our skills and produce good products. We believe the MuCell process will help us achieve those goals by enabling us to manufacture unique, technologically superior products and by lowering our production costs." About Trexel Trexel is the exclusive developer of the MuCell microcellular process technology by virtue of its extensive portfolio of patents in the United States, Canada, Europe, and several Asian countries. While Trexel's primary business is licensing the MuCell technology to injection molders, extruders, blow molders, and equipment manufacturers, Trexel also provides world-class engineering support, training and other services to licensees, and supplies them with equipment and components integral to the MuCell process. In support of these activities, Trexel operates a commercial-scale research laboratory in its Woburn, MA facility. About MuCell The MuCell process is suitable for a wide range of injection molded, extruded, and blow molded products as it allows licensees to reduce product costs while enhancing design and processing. MuCell parts, which have a solid-like appearance, contain less material than parts produced through less-current methods, as millions of tiny air pockets take the place of materials while allowing the part to maintain most of its former properties. In addition, the process can eliminate stress, warpage, and sink marks, and greatly improve cycle time. These benefits allow designers to specify lightweight, polymer-saving foam materials for products in which conventionally foamed materials would be unacceptable. About JCI Johnson Controls Interior GmbH (JCI) is a fully owned subsidiary of Johnson Controls, Inc. of Milwaukee, WI. JCI is the world's leading supplier of automotive seating and interior systems. In addition, JCI produces overhead systems, door systems, instrument panels, and batteries. Its customer list includes virtually every major automaker in the world. About MAGNA EYBL MAGNA EYBL. is a leading global supplier of technologically-advanced automotive systems. The company employs more than 59,000 people at 174 manufacturing divisions and 33 product development and engineering centers throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia. As one of the most diversified automotive components suppliers in the world, MAGNA EYBL designs, engineers and manufactures a complete range of exterior and interior vehicle systems. MAGNA EYBL is recognized by its customers, the major automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEM's), for its innovative technology and product design and total vehicle program management. About MIG Plastics MIG Plastics, which was started in 1994, has had an average annual growth rate of 100 percent since its inception. Today it has 100 employees and operates 15 presses ranging in size from 170 tons to 1100 tons. MIG is currently constructing a new 90,000-sqft facility, which it plans to occupy during the fourth quarter of 2000. About INOAC INOAC is one of the leading suppliers of automotive products to the Japanese automobile industry. Included in its product line are moldings, air bag gaskets, door covers, instrument panels, seats, and headliners. In addition, INOAC produces parts for aircraft, boats, and industrial equipment. tires, sporting goods, electronics, packaging systems, cosmetic products, household products, and the building industry. About Takagi Seiko Takagi Seiko, which was started in 1913, now has 1,450 employees and 13 factories. Its main businesses are the manufacture and sale of plastic goods and molds for plastic products. Its customers include Mitsubishi, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha, Toyota, Casio, Canon, Seiko, Sony, and Fujitsu. For more information about Trexel, Inc., please contact Dan Szczurko, Trexel Vice President of Business Development, at (781) 932-0202, Ext. 241. fax (781) 932-3324, or by e-mail at dan@trexel.com, or visit the company Web site at www.trexel.com. For more information about Johnson Controls Interior GmbH (JCI), please contact Dr. Oliver Becker at +49-2158-919-285, fax +49-2158-919-260 or by e-mail oliver.becker@jci.com, or visit the company Web site at visit www.jci.com. For more information about MAGNA EYBL please contact Dr. Peter Walter Tel: +43-2234-754-693, fax +43-2234-754-319, or by e-mail at peter.walter@mis.magna-europa.com, or visit the company Web site at www.magna-europa.com. For more information about MIG Plastics please contact Mark Mignin, President, at 517-458-2098 Ext. 201, or by e-mail at mark_mignin@migplastics.com, or visit the company Web site at www.migplastics.com. For more information about INOAC please contact Ken Miwa, Managing Director at 052-581-2939, fax (781) 932-3324, or by e-mail at B For more information about Takagi Seiko please contact Junichi Koshino, Director Technical Development, at +81-766-84-9261. |
