American Trim Receives $994,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funding

The Company will install a new line to selectively protect manufactured components using coatings produced in-house and then cured using UV light

Lima, Ohio – February 8, 2010
American Trim announced today that it received $994,000 from the State Energy Plan to install a new state-of-the-art coating line to produce products for the alternative energy, automotive, and appliance industries. The new coating line will consume far less energy then the existing processing line and provide greater product functionality to its customers.

Mayor David Berger of Lima, Ohio was joined by Ohio Department of Development Director Lisa Patt-McDaniel along with several local and regional dignitaries to make the announcement in American Trim’s plant on Baxter Street in Lima. “This effort by American Trim is part of a multi-year commitment by the Company to reinvent its manufacturing processes and pursue an agile manufacturing strategy with the express purpose of retaining jobs in Ohio and Lima in particular,” said Mayor Berger.

Installation of the new Selective Protective Mask (SPM) Line and complimentary Finish Development Center will create job opportunities for Lima, Ohio.

The new line, which uses new coatings cured by UV light, will reduce energy consumption by up to 95% when compared to the old thermally cured coatings. This eliminates the need to heat the coating and the substrate, cure the coating and then cool the panel back to a temperature that can be easily handled—dramatically reducing energy consumption. These coatings will be selectively applied which allows the part to retain the protective coating throughout the manufacturing process, continue through the sales process and into the consumer’s home where the protective coating can then be removed. This is both a process and cost improvement for manufacturers.

Steve Hatkevich, Director of Research and Development at American Trim expressed, “We are appreciative of the support from the Ohio Department of Development, the Mayor and our Representatives to make this possible. We will add over $1.3 million of our own funding to bring this state of the art installation to our facility and create jobs for our County.”

About American Trim
American Trim specializes in the forming, decorating, and coating of metal and composite substrates and is Tier 1 supplier to the transportation and appliance markets. These core competencies are supported and enhanced by American Trim’s Design and Research and Development activities ensuring the most advanced and cost effective solutions for its customer partners.

Secretary Locke selects American Trim as host for local Town Hall meeting based on their efforts to support alternative energy and to create jobs in Ohio.

Lima, OH- Today, American Trim hosted United States Commerce Secretary Gary Locke at their Research and Development Center in Lima, Ohio. The visit was a far reaching effort by the Commerce Department to visit Ohio companies to learn of plans to support the Government’s Economic Recovery Plan and showcase new manufacturing techniques supporting that effort.

During Secretary Locke’s visit to American Trim he toured the development center to see the advancements made in fuel cell production capabilities. “We were able to demonstrate, in real time, technology which will play an important role in enabling the Administration’s alternative energy program as well as change the face of American manufacturing,” commented Rick Pfeifer, American Trim’s Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. “And, importantly for Ohio and American Trim, this technology will create jobs.” Locke remarked after his tour of the facility that, “This factory, American Trim is a great example of the Department of Commerce use of Manufacturing Extension Program (MEP) to help private sector companies drive growth.”

In addition to US Secretary Locke, Lieutenant Governor Fisher and Lima’s Mayor Berger also addressed the audience of Lima-based companies during the town hall meeting.

Mayor Berger expressed his goal of attracting State’s investment dollars to the Lima area to fund growth and innovation leading to jobs. “Our goal is to invigorate the existing manufacturing base with innovation and technology. American Trim is an exciting example delivering on the vision.”

The Lieutenant Governor explained during the town hall discussion that attracting businesses to the Ohio area is the main focus of the Governor’s office. They believe this can be done through adjusting to the changing economy by continuing to innovate and grow. He commented on American Trim’s use of state funding as being, “a model Ohio company that is symbolic of the kinds of companies we want to keep and attract to Ohio.”

About American Trim
American Trim was founded in 1951 and specializes in the forming, decorating, and coating of metal and composite substrates. These core competencies are supported and enhanced by American Trim’s Design, Research and Development activities ensuring the most advanced and cost effective solutions for its customer partners.

American Trim, The Ohio State University and General Motors Complete the Requirements for the First Fuel Cell Grant

Lima, OH - Today, American Trim, Ohio State University and General Motors demonstrated, in real time, the actual production of a fuel cell bipolar plate before a group of collaborators and media at American Trim’s Research and Development Facility in Lima, Ohio. The production of the bipolar plate represents another success for the Lima, Ohio based company in demonstrating that it is putting the State’s Third Frontier Grant monies to productive use. This work supports the second Grant which assembles the plates into a functional fuel cell.

“This team has reached a significant milestone that could be a catalyst in bringing alternative fuel vehicles to the buying public. We have demonstrated the very real possibility that we can produce fuel cell bipolar plates for a fraction of what they currently cost. A fraction.” said Rick Pfeifer, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at American Trim. Mayor David Berger was on hand for the presentation and said “Rewards go to those who innovate and break thru despite economic restraints. What this team has accomplished is a big win for Northwest Ohio and Lima in particular as we build on our strategy of transforming manufacturing in the State.”

Also on hand for the event were:

• Dr. Glenn Daehn a Professor at OSU and recognized expert within the electromagnetic forming technologies.
• Dr. Mike Martin the VP of Fuel Cell Technology at EMTEC
• Pat Valente the Director of the Ohio Fuel Cell Coalition

About High Velocity Metal Forming
High Velocity Metal Forming (HVMF) is a method of metal forming where the sheet metal to be formed is accelerated to 300 meters per second into a die, and thereby forms the part. It is an exciting breakthrough in metal forming technology which could add more precision to the metal forming process, increase processing speed and reduce cost in terms or equipment and processing.

About American Trim
American Trim was founded in 1951 and specializes in the forming, decorating, and coating of metal and composite substrates. These core competencies are supported and enhanced by American Trim’s Design, Research and Development activities ensuring the most advanced and cost effective solutions for its customer partners.

American Trim collaborates with Lincoln on the interior of the new MKS “Moda” Concept Car for the SEMA Show

Las Vegas, Nevada –November 10, 2008

American Trim announced that the company played a collaborative role on the interior of the Lincoln MKS "Moda" concept vehicle. American Trim created the gold patterned metallic instrument panel accent trim exclusively for the project.

"I really enjoyed working with Ford on this project. They gave us the opportunity to challenge the boundaries of beautiful design. I am very pleased with the result," commented Audra Keiber, American Trim Designer.

"The pattern brings into the interior a soft elegance, using an organic element. The warmth of this particular color married the use of the organic patterning with the high class, high quality feel that Ford was looking for," added Keiber.

The Lincoln MKS "Moda" concept vehicle was in the Ford Motor Company display area at SEMA.

About American Trim American Trim was founded in 1951 and specializes in the forming, decorating, and coating of metal and composite substrates. These core competencies are supported and enhanced by American Trim’s Design, Research and Development activities ensuring the most advanced and cost effective solutions for its customer partners.

Download PDF version of Press Release

American Trim and DuPont CoatingSolutions showcase heavy truck bumper coating using “green” Physical Vapor Deposition technology at the SEMA Show

Las Vegas, Nevada –November 6, 2008

Today, American Trim and DuPont CoatingSolutions unveiled a full size, heavy truck bumper coated using the Physical Vapor Deposition technology at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The coating of this bumper represents a giant step forward in applying PVD to large part applications.

“This team set out in January to prove that PVD could be successfully applied to a large part application and meet the OEM requirements of our customer partners,” said Rick Pfeifer, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at American Trim.

Pfeifer went on to say that “PVD is not new – we see it in many of today’s household applications including faucets and other fixtures within the home. And, PVD is making it’s way onto larger part applications in the automotive world.”

“What is new is how PVD is being applied on the scale presented here. And, what is exciting is not only the potential for cost savings that this new process promises but also the “green effect” of what is now a credible alternative to traditional hexavalent chrome plating.”

Jack McKeague, from DuPont CoatingSolutions add, “We are very proud of the fact that the base coat (DuPont™ Vacuprime™), and top coat are DuPont products and of the commitment of our mutual technical teams and relentless pursuit of getting the science right that will propel us going forward.”

To learn more about PVD and the efforts of American Trim and DuPont CoatingSolutions, please visit Booth #23378 or contact Jack McKeague from DuPont at 708-921-9073 or John Swigard from American Trim at 937-494-6507.

About Physical Vapor Deposition Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) is a technology used to deposit thin film coatings onto Ferrous and Non Ferrous Substrates. PVD is a major departure from traditional metal plating technologies characterized by an extremely environmentally friendly footprint.

The process allows for a “chrome-like” finish on virtually any substrate, while potentially reducing overall costs compared to traditional plating technologies.

About DuPont DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.

About American Trim American Trim was founded in 1951 and specializes in the forming, decorating, and coating of metal and composite substrates. These core competencies are supported and enhanced by American Trim’s Design, Research and Development activities ensuring the most advanced and cost effective solutions for its customer partners.

Download PDF version of Press Release

Read More about our PVD coated bumper and the PVD coating process

American Trim included in group that receives $3 million in new funding from Ohio’s Third Frontier Wright Projects program to commercialize advanced functional and decorative thin-film coating processes.

The funding is the result of a collaborative effort between American Trim, Rhodes State College, Ohio Northern University, The Edison Materials Technology Center (EMTEC), The Ohio Energy and Advanced Manufacturing Center and the City of Lima, Ohio.

American Trim announced today that the grant application for the Materials Deposition Center (of which American Trim is a collaborative partner) was awarded $3 million from the Third Frontier Wright Projects Program. American Trim will supplement the grant with a comparable in-kind investment through facilities and personnel.

The MDC will scale up laboratory-proven coating technologies into a production-scale digital application system. The first project will be the development and demonstration of a low cost engineered finish simulating stainless steel sheet material suitable for use in refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, washers, dryers, and control panels for the decorative stainless steel appliance market.

Subsequent projects will include highly complex, patterned finishes targeting additional interior environments including automotive, home and commercial buildings.

The Center seeks to exploit new digital printing and materials deposition processes to produce engineered finishes while avoiding the use of expensive alloys or environmentally hazardous coating processes. Such surface appearances have not previously been producible via commercial printing or industrial deposition but dramatic new advances in digital printing and materials dispensing technologies are enabling these two industrial arts to converge.

Finally, the MDC will serve as a workforce development facility to train technicians and undergraduate and graduate level engineering students in the new technologies. The Materials Deposition Center will be constructed adjacent to the Advanced Materials Commercialization Center (AMCC) (a product of the first Third Frontier Grant awarded to Rhodes State College and American Trim) which is within American Trim’s Research and Development facility in Lima, Ohio.

American Trim Vice President Rick Pfeifer, commenting on the collaboration efforts of the partners to bring advanced solutions to the marketplace, said, "Based on what I've seen, Lima, Ohio is able to play on the world stage in energy and technology development."

Collaborative partners for the project include American Trim, Rhodes State College, Ohio Northern University, The Edison Materials Technology Center (EMTEC), The Ohio Energy and Advanced Manufacturing Center and the City of Lima, Ohio.

Download PDF version of Press Release

American Trim receives $1 million in new funding to advance Fuel Cell Technology at its Lima, Ohio research and development facility

The Agile Hybrid Joining of Fuel Cell Bipolar Plates has the potential to complete another step in the development of this exciting new technology and further establishes the State of Ohio and the City of Lima in particular as a center of excellence for fuel cell technology

American Trim announced today that it was awarded $1 million for its Agile Hybrid Joining of Fuel Cell Bipolar Plates project. This funding makes possible the next stage of Fuel Cell technology development at the Lima based company.

American Trim intends to demonstrate that a 100-percent, full function, scale hydrogen fuel cell product can be made that is cost competitive when compared with an internal combustion engine. Attaining this goal will require the use of new technology that can reliably join foil plates without the complications of other methods.

American Trim is already working collaboratively with the State of Ohio, Ohio State University and General Motors on a prior project to manufacture metal bi-polar plates through the use of electromagnetic forming. The project is designed to reduce the cost of manufacturing bi-polar plates to a fraction of their current price. The new project adds the capability of joining the plates together and thereby combining operations and reducing process cost.

“We are excited about the potential for fuel cell vehicles in the marketplace and the ability for our combined efforts with the State of Ohio, City of Lima, General Motors and Ohio State University to bring the cost of this key component to a level that enables the technology to move forward,” commented Steve Hatkevich, Director of Research and Development.

In addition to fuel cell development, American Trim expects to leverage the learnings of the project to other areas of their business and believes there could be benefit to other companies in the State of Ohio as the technology continues to develop.

Work will begin on the new project within the next 30—60 days.

Inquiries for the new technology should be directed to Steve Hatkevich, Director of Research and Development at 419-996-4740 or John Swigard, Director of Marketing at 937-494-6507.

American Trim announces integrated E-Coat and Powder Coat line at its Sidney, Ohio facility

The new integrated line combines the value of E-Coat with the cosmetic durability and QUV protection of powder paint in one efficient processing line.

Lima, Ohio- Today, American Trim announced that the new integrated E-Coat and Powder Coat line is operational and ready to support full production and prototyping. With this opening, American Trim advances the thinking in process cost reduction and efficiency becoming one of the few companies of any size to offer this capability in the world. The line is now in service for its in-house manufactured products as well as a coating source to customers.

Benefits of the New Integrated Line

• Efficient manufacturing flow
• Integrated powder paint/cosmetic finish
• Supports any color
• Salt spray and QUV protection
• Approved by all automotive and Heavy Truck OEM

Capabilities

• Class A Booths supporting:

  • Primary Colors (black, white, gray and silver)
  • Vibrant colors
  • Clear protective top coat
• Supports any metal substrate

  • Up to 96” X 48” X 28”

“American Trim is committed to providing integrated solutions for our current and prospective customers which enhance the appearance, performance and value of their products,” commented Chris Highfield, Director of Sales for American Trim.

Inquiries or requests for quotes using the integrated E-Coat/Powder Coat line should be emailed to Chris Highfield (chighfield@amtrim.com), Sales Director or you may call him directly at 937-494-6024.

Dupont/American Trim Press Release

DuPont CoatingSolutions, American Trim Collaborate on Innovative Coating Technology as a Viable Alternative to Traditional Chrome Plating

HOUSTON, Jan 10, 2008 -- DuPont CoatingSolutions and American Trim have teamed up to promote an innovative coating technology. American Trim recently took delivery of a physical vapor deposition chamber (PVD) that allows for the processing of a chrome-like finish without the use of hexavalent chrome. The PVD process employs a base powder coating supplied by DuPont, which serves as a protective, functional layer and smoothes out the surface. Therefore, no sanding or buffing is required on rough parts, like castings. The PVD chamber is utilized to deposit the very thin layer of metal. Parts are then coated with a clear acrylic topcoat for protection of the metal layer and added durability.

This technology represents added potential for coatings for numerous industries. The PVD process was primarily designed for decorative finishing in the heavy duty truck and automotive industries, but there is added interest from other markets such as appliances, recreational vehicles, furniture and building products. PVD coating provides a viable alternative to the traditional method of applying chrome and electroplating. In most instances, the result is a less expensive and better performing, chrome look.

John Swigard, director of marketing, American Trim said, “We are very excited to partner with DuPont, who clearly sees the potential in this market and we look forward to furthering this relationship between us as well as our current and future OEM partners. This represents another step in our dedication to expand this technology with development programs and to further the knowledge base on new, larger part capabilities.”

Both companies, considered to be quality leaders in their fields, believe this collaboration comes at a favorable moment as the market looks for more economical and sustainable solutions to their coating needs.

“This agreement reveals the commitment, from both of our organizations, to the development of new technologies for our new and existing customers and the various industries we service,” said Dan Paulus, DuPont area manager.

American Trim will take advantage of co-branding opportunities with DuPont as a member of its Star CoaterSM Program.

Learn more about this technology by contacting Jeff Schwieterman at American Trim (937-494-6369), or your local DuPont CoatingSolutions representative (800-247-3886).

American Trim was founded in 1951 and specializes in the forming, decorating, and coating of metal and composite substrates. These core competencies are supported and enhanced by American Trim’s Design, Research and Development activities ensuring the most advanced and cost effective solutions to its customer partners.

DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.

For more information, please visit our websites:
www.dupontpowder.com
www.amtrim.com

Download a PDF of this release

AMCC Grand Opening

American Trim and Rhodes State College announce the opening of the new Advanced Materials Commercialization Center (AMCC) in Lima, Ohio

The new AMCC is designed to support development programs and ultimately full production lines targeting the Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) process and will enable chrome-like plating capabilities of large components using a "green" process

Today, American Trim and Rhodes State College opened the doors to the new Advanced Materials Commercialization Center (AMCC) in Lima, Ohio. The opening of the center is a significant step forward in the development of the Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) process targeted at large component applications. The AMCC is made possible by the partnership between American Trim and Rhodes State College and $1.38 million in funding from the Third Frontier Wright Project (an Ohio grant that supports organizations that effectively use research and development for new product innovation).

At the center of the AMCC is the PVD chamber - the largest of its kind in the world. PVD is a technique used to deposit thin film coatings onto various surfaces and represents a metal coating technology that is also environmentally friendly. "We are excited about the possibilities that this new process brings to the table for our customers," commented Steve Hatkevich, Director of Research and Development at American Trim. "This allows for the application of a "chrome-like" finish to virtually any substrate at a lower cost while potentially eliminating costly process steps typical in plating." PVD brings with it the ability for American Trim to supply customers with actual sample parts showing the advanced coating on their product. While the chamber was primarily designed for decorative finishing in applications including bumpers, motorcycle parts (frames), appliances and automotive parts, there is potential for this technology to provide functional coating capability for solar panels, fuel cells, advanced energy systems and advanced medical instruments.

David Brown, Dean of Engineering and Information Technology at Rhodes State, stated, "The opening of the AMCC solidifies our mutual commitment to develop and commercialize innovative new technologies which ultimately lead to new production programs and, with them, employment opportunities for Ohio."

The AMCC is designed to attract development programs for the new larger application PVD technology. Potential customers can expect to find a fully functioning prototype production line which will serve as an incubator leading to full-speed production lines.

Inquiries should be directed to Jeff Schwieterman at American Trim (937-494-6369)

Alodine ® EC² ™

American Trim launches new Alodine ® EC² ™ high performance coating line at its Cullman, Alabama facility Alodine ® EC² ™ provides outstanding chemical-resistance, wear-resistance and thermal-resistance and can exponentially improve corrosion-resistance for most applications

Today, American Trim announced that the new Alodine ® EC² ™ high performance coating line is operational and ready to support full production and prototyping. With this opening, American Trim becomes the largest (by capacity) Licensed Product Center of this exciting new coating developed by Henkel Corporation.

The new Alodine ® EC² ™ has exciting potential:

• Virtually eliminates corrosion
• Drastically improved wear resistance
• Enables the use of lower cost materials (e.g. aluminum instead of stainless steel)
• Excellent bonding capability when combined with Loctite®, Hysol® and Teroson® brand adhesives

The coating is based on Ti electrodeposited oxides and readily forms on:

• Aluminum and Aluminum alloys
• Titanium and Titanium alloys
• Aluminized ferrous substrates

In addition, it offers the following specifications:

• Surface Properties (Hardness of 600—800 Vickers)
• Corrosion Resistance (1000—6000 hour depending on aluminum substrate)
• Abrasion Resistance (2000 Taber cycles (C-17 wheel) with no wear @ 12 microns)
• Bonding capability with most paints, adhesives, Teflon, Kynar and thermal spray coatings
• Useful coating thickness of 3—12 microns

“As companies are looking for ways to improve their coating performance capabilities and/or total cost structure, we believe that the Alodine ® EC² ™ process offers an attractive value proposition,” commented Vince DeFazio, Director of Operations for American Trim’s facility in Cullman, Alabama. The Cullman facility boasts a tank capacity size of 108” Long, 30” Wide and 40” Deep – the largest of its kind in the world supporting the Alodine ® EC² ™ technology. Inquiries for the new Alodine ® EC² ™ should be emailed to Chris Highfield , Sales Director or you may call him directly at 937-494-6024.

PVD Chamber Delivery

New chamber is one of the largest of its kind in the U.S. and will enable chrome-like plating capabilities of large components using a “green” process

American Trim took delivery of a new Physical Vapor Deposition Coating (PVD) chamber at its Advanced Material Commercialization Center (AMCC) in Lima, Ohio. This is a significant step forward in the development of this new technology which is the result of a partnership between American Trim and Rhodes State College via $1.38 million in funding from the Third Frontier Wright Project (an Ohio grant that supports organizations that effectively use research and development for new product innovation). The delivery of the PVD chamber represents a commitment by American Trim to make available new technologies to its existing and future customer base in the United States and abroad.

PVD is a technique used to deposit thin film coatings onto various surfaces and represents a metal coating technology that is also environmentally friendly. “We are excited about the possibilities that this new process brings to the table for our customers,” commented Steve Hatkevich, Director of Research and Development at American Trim. “This allows for the application of a “chrome-like” finish to virtually any substrate at a lower cost while potentially eliminating costly process steps typical in plating.” PVD brings with it the ability for American Trim to supply customers with actual sample parts showing the advanced coating on their product. Previous technology has financially limited this ability, allowing only for small sample chips of coatings.

While the chamber was primarily designed for decorative finishing in applications including bumpers, motorcycle parts (frames), appliances and automotive parts, there is potential for this technology to provide functional coating capability for solar panels, fuel cells, advanced energy systems and advanced medical instruments. David Brown, Dean of Engineering and Information Technology at Rhodes State, believes, “The arrival of this chamber is a tangible marker of exciting and innovative events in the works for both Rhodes State and American Trim. There is a new day of technology emerging for manufacturers because of what will happen in the AMCC.” Installation of the PVD chamber will begin immediately and prototyping is expected to start before January, 2008. New plating business developed through the AMCC will remain in Lima, and allow for future employment opportunities.

Trim Ring

American Trim’s innovative design awarded at the APP New Product Design Competition in Memphis, Tennessee

American Trim is known for providing innovation and technology in the fields of metal forming and metal finishing to the home appliance industry. This dedication has most recently been recognized at the 2007 Innovations Conference held in Memphis, Tennessee which hosted the annual Alliance of Plastic Processors (APP) New Product Design Competition. Of the 31 parts competing for top honors in several categories, Whirlpool’s Duet door trim ring, supplied by American Trim, shared top honors.This trim ring is designed and manufactured by American Trim in conjunction with Minco Tool and Die Inc and All Service Molding Inc (both out of Dayton, Ohio).

In the past few years laundry products have joined in the innovation and design world by becoming more than just a utilitarian appliance used to clean clothing. The Whirlpool trim ring was previously plastic, but responding to customers’ preference of a metallic look it was decided to use real metal in the design. American Trim together with Minco Tool and Die Mold Inc designed an aluminum trim ring insert that was backfilled with plastic. Once the aluminum ring is formed at American Trim it is sent to All Service Plastic Molding Inc for the plastic insert. The ring is then fit right on the door of the Whirlpool Duet front load washer and dryer.

This renovated product was introduced to the market in March of 2007. Representatives at Minco Tool and Die Mold have said that this is the largest decorated mold product in the market based on size and production volume. American Trim plans to keep providing innovative solutions to the appliance industry so metal can continue to be used economically on appliances.