SINSHEIM, Germany -- AMI DODUCO, a unit of Technitrol (NYSE: TNL), has launched an aggressive plan to double annual sales of its component subassemblies within the next four years by expanding product development, production and sales activities throughout Europe. The plan calls for a significant expansion of the production capabilities of AMI DODUCO’s plant in Sinsheim, Germany, where these parts are produced, and also envisions production of these parts in North America for domestic markets.
Component subassemblies consist of electrical contacts affixed to precision-stamped parts, which are then overmolded or assembled in plastic. They are increasingly used in a variety of sensors, process control devices, and switches in autos, telecommunication equipment, appliances and consumer electronics. Due to increasing automation, more features and greater functionality, particularly in vehicles and appliances, unit growth in these subassemblies is outpacing that of the end-user products they support.
“In the auto industry, for example, analysts project that electronic safety, comfort and efficiency features will grow 10%-15% annually for the next five years – obviously faster than the growth in the number of automobiles,” said Karl Heinz Funke, Senior Vice President, European Business Unit. “Our expansion will enable us to support growth at existing automotive customers, to attract new business throughout Europe and to extend even further our presence in the important telecommunication and appliance markets.”
“AMI DODUCO is particularly well-positioned to grow this product line quickly,” said AMI DODUCO President and Chief Executive Officer James J. Rafferty, Jr. “Our end-to-end capabilities include tool design and production, stamping, plating and plastic encapsulation. Another competitive advantage is our unique experience with clad aluminum and other contact materials used in subassemblies. These capabilities, combined with state-of-the-art facilities and a highly-skilled work force, position us extremely well to provide quality, one-stop solutions in a short turnaround time.”
Headquartered in Export, Pennsylvania, AMI DODUCO, a Technitrol Company (NYSE: TNL) is a global leader in electrical contact technology and fabrication. The company supplies contacts and assemblies, contact materials, thermostatic and laminated metal products, electroplating and surface treatment services, and precious metal refining and recycling to more than 3,000 customers. AMI DODUCO operates from 14 locations throughout North America, Europe and Asia.
Cautionary Note: This message contains forward looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially. This release should be read in conjunction with the factors set forth in Technitrol´s report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31,2000 in Item 2 under the caption "Factors that May Affect Our Future Results (Cautionary Statemens for Purposes of the ´Safe Harbor´ Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995)."