\n\tGF Linamar, Mills River, N.C., a joint venture between GF Automotive and Linamar, has been awarded a $300 million contract over a period of five years to produce lightweight magnesium automotive components for a U.S. manufacturer. (The company did not release the name of the manufacturer).<\/p>\n
\n\tThe order consists of cross-car beams for a new pickup truck model, and underlines GF Automotive’s expertise in lightweight magnesium components. Typically made of steel, cross-car beams are large structural parts, and diecast magnesium would significantly lower weight.<\/p>\n
\n\tThe components will be produced from 2020 onwards at the new plant in Mills River. This plant, which GF will operate together with Canadian joint venture partner Linamar, will officially be opened in October 2017. The order is another important milestone in the expansion of GF’s presence in the North American market and consequently for implementing its 2020 strategy.<\/p>\n
\n\tOn October 6, GF Linamar celebrated the official opening of its new plant in Mills River. The 57-acre high-pressure die-casting facility focuses on lightweight solutions in aluminum and magnesium for the automotive industry, drawing from the expertise of both partners. The overall investment over the next five years amounts to approximately $100 million.<\/p>\n
\n\tGF Automotive is one of the world’s leading automotive suppliers and a technologically pioneering development partner and manufacturer of components for passenger cars, trucks and industrial applications. The division provides casting solutions based on iron, aluminum and magnesium at eleven production plants in Germany, Austria, China and the United States.<\/p>\n