FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 20, 2006
Contact: Mike Marn
Francis Marketing
(616) 235-1122

Aisin Light Metals Selects Granco Clark
for Next Extrusion Line

Belding, Michigan — Aisin Light Metals has again awarded the order for the heating and handling technologies to Granco Clark. This is the second extrusion line for Aisin, and installation is scheduled for 2006. The new press will be a 4000-ton short-stroke press from UBE Machinery.

Although relatively new to the U.S. market, Aisin Light Metals has a long history of supplying aluminum extrusion to the automotive industry through its Japanese parent company. Established in 2003, the first press line was installed in 2004 and featured a 4000-ton UBE extrusion press and Granco Clark heating and handling technologies.

The billet heating equipment will once again include Granco Clark’s patented Taper Quench. Aisin Light Metals has after thorough testing embraced this technology and uses it on the existing line for every extrusion.

The handling equipment for 150 feet extrusion lengths consists of a double puller, belt handling, stretcher and a quick cycle finish saw.

Heating and handling equipment on the new line is entirely controlled by Granco Clark’s supervisory computer system SCSExtrude, providing communication with Aisin’s business system and allowing fully automated equipment set-up based on production history. SCSExtrude also includes powerful equipment diagnostics with troubleshooting tips. A separate system collects and manages the historical data of every extrusion. The new line will also feature two Granco Clark infrared single cell die ovens.

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Founded in 1947, Granco Clark began manufacturing billet furnaces and has evolved into a global, single-source supplier and leading equipment manufacturer to the aluminum extrusion industry. Quality is a key component in every extrusion system the ISO-9001 certified company fabricates — from billet log furnaces and log shears to age ovens and stacking equipment.

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