Cooper Standard buys injection moulding company

ERJ staff report (R&PN)

Novi, Michigan - Cooper Standard Automotive Inc. has purchased injection moulder and hard coating technology specialist USi Inc. which will provide the auto supplier with more opportunities to supply exterior trim.

USi, based in Rockford, Tenn., was part of Tokyo-based Ikuyo Co. Ltd. The companies did not disclose a purchase price in a March 28 news release.

Cooper Standard, based in Novi, makes a variety of functional parts as well as exterior trim and sealing products currently. Buying USi not only brings the firm increased moulding production and hard coating technology in North America, but it also will provide it with more capabilities to compete in Europe and supply more trim parts there, with plans already under way to introduce it to customers in Europe, CEO Jim McElya said.

USi lists 13 presses ranging in size from 210 to 1,100 tons in capacity on its web site along with two hard coat lines for polycarbonate glazing and other products. It also has six paint lines, assembly and printing. It turns out PC-glazed windows, exterior trim, lights and a variety of interior and exterior trim painted parts.

“USi's portfolio incorporates Japanese North American and European technologies, which will allow Cooper Standard to offer a full range of bright trim sealing assemblies, that are quickly gaining popularity,” McElya said.

From Rubber & Plastics News (A Crain publication)

Press release from Cooper Standard Automotive