Metalcasting group Citation Corp. reports it has been awarded new contracts valued at $200 million by Akebono Brake Corp., to supply ductile-iron castings for several new vehicle platforms of different global automakers. The contracts are structured over five years, the Citation states. Production began in September at the company’s Brewton, AL, foundry and will continue to launch through 2009, according to Citation.
Citation produces gray and ductile castings and aluminum diecastings at eight plants in Alabama, Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina and Wisconsin, as well as machining operation. Akebono manufactures brake friction materials and foundation brake assemblies, including disc brake calipers and drum brakes for automakers worldwide, including Audi, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota, and Volkswagen.
Citation is producing cylinder carriers and spider castings for brake components, which it says offer reduced noise, vibration and harshness characteristics. It estimates that 65 million castings will be produced over the five-year term of the contract.
“This partnership represents Citation’s ongoing commitment to provide our global customers with quality iron castings,” states CEO Doug Grimm. “We appreciate the opportunity to further our relationship with Akebono and look forward to supporting the expansion of its business worldwide and collaborating with them to design, develop and manufacture products that meet their needs.”