INDUSTRY NEWS
Refocused Thresher Working With Customer on Developing MMC Metalcaster Thresher Industries,
Hanford, Calif., recently announced it has signed a mutual nondisclo- sure agreement with a first-tier automotive supplier to develop its proprietary metal matrix composite (MMC) Thermalite. Tresher and the Detroit-based
company plan to co-develop the mate- rial for use in Tresher’s manufacturing and distribution operations. Accord- ing to a press release issued by the metalcaster, Tresher has been working to refocus and restructure itself on sup- plying higher margin MMCs. “In the past, Tresher has operated as an aluminum [metalcasting facility] supplying conventional cast products and some metal matrix composites that are typically low-margin prod- ucts,” said Tom Flessner, the com- pany’s president and chief executive officer. “Our rebranding and restruc- turing positions us as a composite aluminum company.” Tresher announced the new fo-
cus—on high-margin, niche products produced in high volumes by other companies using its materials and paying Tresher a licensing fee—about a week before signing the agreement with the new supplier Te company indicated it expects
Flessner to meet with the automotive company, the name of which was not disclosed, during the second week of April to pursue the material’s develop- ment further. “Te next steps involve supplying
data they require for each application and discussions with their metallur- gist and ours to find a correct hybrid MMC that will match their require- ments,” Flessner said. According to the Thresher press
release, the Detroit-based com- pany has indicated a willingness to examine emerging technologies 10 years out. The undisclosed company reports more than $3 billion in revenue and 30,000 full-time employees and is involved in the agriculture and aerospace industries, as well as automotive. Tresher casts parts and offers
April 2011 MODERN CASTING | 9
engineering support, designing and prototype development to a variety of industries, including agriculture, aerospace, defense, transportation and automotive. “We believe we can generate sig-
nificant revenues coupled with even higher profit margins for our company, while creating significant competitive advantages for our customers. Tis plan puts us on track to increase share- holder value in 2011 and beyond.”
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