Transportation Products was recognized for its Alcoa Vacuum Die Casting (AVDC) for Lightweight Door Assemblies developed as an integrated casting alloy, process and equipment "systems solution" which provides vehicle manufacturers within the passenger auto and commercial transportation market segments the opportunity to maximize weight savings (30-35%), consolidate parts (60-70% BOM/parts reduction) and reduce system costs of lightweight door systems.
The patented AVDC process integrates dimensionally stable high strength and high ductility casting alloys and large die part size capability to expand the lightweight options for door inner panels beyond multiple piece stamped aluminum or steel sheet stampings. The innovation has been utilized by leading auto manufacturers, including most recently with Nissan on its high performance GT-R sports sedan.
During his acceptance speech, Kevin Kramer, President - Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products stated, "We are honored to be recognized as a winner for this prestigious award. AVDC is our second win in the last three years and this is a big deal. The Automotive News PACE Award reinforces Alcoa's commitment that innovation is our past and our future."
The 15th annual PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers' Contribution to Excellence) Award was presented by Automotive News, Ernst & Young LLP and the Transportation Research Center Inc. The competition was open to suppliers who contribute products, processes, materials or services directly to the manufacture of cars or trucks. The award is accepted around the world as the industry symbol of innovation. Alcoa Transportation Products was awarded in the Manufacturing Process and Capital Equipment category following an extensive review by an independent panel of judges including a comprehensive written application and a site visit.
Alcoa most recently was awarded an Automotive News PACE award for Dura-Bright(R) technology for forged aluminum wheels in 2007. This latest win is Alcoa's second award in as many attempts. For complete details of the Automotive News PACE Award, visit www.automotivenews.com/pace.
About Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products
Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, serves the commercial vehicle, automotive, and defense markets with products used in a range of applications including cast and forged aluminum wheels, aluminum space frames, specialized vacuum die cast products, niche products such as Dura-Bright(R) and Dura-Flange(R) wheels and M-Series(TM) medium truck wheels, as well as a variety of other aluminum components for these markets. AWTP is composed of three divisions: Transportation Products, Commercial Vehicle Wheels, and Automotive Wheels. It employs 2,800 people at 30 locations worldwide.
About Alcoa
Alcoa (NYSE:AA) is the world leader in the production and management of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina combined, through its active and growing participation in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers. In addition to aluminum products and components including flat-rolled products, hard alloy extrusions, and forgings, Alcoa also markets Alcoa(R) wheels, fastening systems, precision and investment castings, and building systems. The Company has been named one of the top most sustainable corporations in the world at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland and has been a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for seven consecutive years. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com.
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