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.