Tricon Introduces Clean Room Assembly Process

DETROIT, March 3, 2003 – Tricon Industries, Inc. announces the purchase and implementation of a certified clean room to enhance some assembly processes. With a company-wide focus on high-quality manufacturing, Tricon's clean room investment enhances the overall value of customer's assemblies. Among other benefits, the Class 10,000 clean room is expected to support Tricon's continuing efforts to drive PPMs to zero.

"The clean room assembly process is another example of our commitment to our customers," said Jay Winkler, vice president - operations. "We are continually finding ways to improve our assembly process and feel the clean room provides value to our customer's products by reducing and eliminating sources of contamination that have adverse effects on long-term product performance."

Tricon's HL-A door and trunk lock switch sub-assemblies are products currently using clean room assembly. During assembly, these sub-assemblies go through several additional process steps such as vacuuming and auditing, and endure rigorous testing to make sure the component was manufactured correctly. To ensure the switches meet tight customer tolerances for performance specifications, both assemblies are tested for torque, continuity and make/break contact angles on the Tricon-developed tester. The switch components also are measured for mechanical actuation torque and electrical performance characteristics. Tricon's testers ensure proper assembly through verification of correct v-ring (seal) insertion and correct rotor assembly. In addition, correct wiring is checked through verification of switching logic.

Tricon's positive air pressure clean room reduces contaminates. To further prevent contamination, all workers and supervisors wear hairnets and enter the clean room over mats that remove particulates from footwear. Tricon's clean room assembly environment provides long-term value to customers through shipped PPM reduction.

Tricon Industries, Inc. specializes in insert molding and specialized components for worldwide automotive, mobile communications and appliance markets. Tricon was one of the first in the industry to use insert-molding techniques for the manufacture of switch and relay components as well as other electro-mechanical parts.

Some of Tricon's recent projects include complex insert-molded junction blocks and multifunction switch components, bulb taillight sockets and circuit stampings, single-bulb light sockets, alternators and encapsulated components, and mobile antenna assemblies. Today, Tricon is a QS-9000/ISO 9001-registered manufacturer both in the United States and Europe, with comprehensive design, project management and manufacturing capabilities that can be tailored to specific project requirements.

For more information, see us at the SAE 2003 World Congress in booth #600, or visit us on the Internet at www.triconinc.com.