Dana Emerson Actuator Systems Begins Production in Eastern Europe

Toledo, Ohio -- Oct 18, 2004 -- Dana Corporation (NYSE: DCN) announced today that its joint venture with Emerson Electric has begun volume production for multiple products at its new manufacturing facility in Nové Mesto nad Vahom, Slovakia. 

The joint venture, Dana Emerson Actuator Systems (DEAS), was established in January 2003 to provide electric power-assist steering (EPS) and electro-hydraulic power-assist steering (EHPS) components to major Tier 1 steering suppliers globally.

The manufacturing facility produces electric motors and integrates the motor control electronics – incorporating DEAS’s proprietary motor and controls technology – for EPS and EHPS components.  Production at the facility is expected to exceed two million units annually, and the facility is expected to employup to 300 people by the end of 2005.

“This joint venture facility represents an important step in further strengthening Dana’s manufacturing presence in Eastern Europe – an area we consider key to our future growth,” said Dana Chairman and CEO Michael J. Burns. “We are pleased to have Emerson, a global leader in electric motors, as a partner in this venture.”

The DEAS facility in Slovakia is a key European element of a global manufacturing and engineering network designed to support the demand for EPS and EHPS components throughout the world.  DEAS will support North American and Asian markets through manufacturing facilities in Mexico and China.  Technical and engineering support, including advanced engineering and design, is provided by facilities in Ottawa Lake, Mich.; St. Louis, Mo.; and Andover, England.

“This joint venture adds to Dana’s global manufacturing footprint in a very important market,” said Charles F. Heine, Dana’s president of technology development and diversified products. “Our engineering teams are working around the world to bring electronic power-assist steering components to the marketplace, and we are now positioned for manufacture wherever our customers need us.”

About Emerson

St. Louis-based Emerson (www.gotoemerson.com) is a global leader in bringing technology and engineering together to provide innovative solutions to customers in process control; electronics and telecommunications; industrial automation; heating, ventilating and air conditioning; and appliance and tools. Sales in fiscal 2003 were $14 billion.

About Dana

Dana Corporation is a global leader in the design, engineering, and manufacture of value-added products and systems for automotive, commercial, and

off-highway vehicles.  Delivering on a century of innovation, the company's continuing operations employ approximately 45,000 people worldwide dedicated to advancing the science of mobility.  Founded in 1904 and based in Toledo, Ohio, Dana operates technology, manufacturing, and customer-service facilities in 30 countries.  Sales from continuing operations totaled $7.9 billion in 2003. Dana’s Internet address is www.dana.com.

 

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