A pair of automotive suppliers this month announced the formation of a new joint venture to bring aluminum automotive components to the U.S. market.
Aluform USA plans to establish U.S. manufacturing, engineering, and support operations for the Aluform line of bolts, screws, and stud fasteners. RIBE, the German company that makes the product line, formed the new company with suburban Chicago auto supplier MacLean-Fogg.
The joint venture will be headquartered within MacLean-Fogg’s MacLean Maynard division near Detroit.
"MacLean-Fogg’s excellent manufacturing capabilities, application engineering, and high customer service makes [sic] them an ideal partner to support and grow Aluform in North America,” RIBE managing partner Frank Bergner said in a statement.
Aluform parts are particularly focused on lightweight, corrosion-sensitive vehicle applications. Duncan MacLean, MacLean-Fogg’s president and CEO, said the venture would help its customers meet increasing demands for lighter, more fuel-efficient vehicles.
"The RIBE-Aluform product line sets the global standard for high-strength automotive aluminum fasteners,” he said.
