MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. (June 24, 2002) – Emhart Teknologies today announced the general availability of a new, ergonomically-designed low insertion retainer that reduces installation effort into sheet metal panels by 60 percent.

Engineered and designed using the Six Sigma Process, the retainer reduces installation forces without sacrificing the removal effort or clamping capability of the joint.

“The development of an ergonomically-designed, low effort retainer is a direct result of listening to our customers and finding innovative engineering solutions to meet their needs,” said Randy Gronau, metal fasteners product manager, Automotive Division.  “OEMs have been plagued with rising health and safety costs as well as requirements for increased manufacturing/assembly flexibility.  Emhart’s new low insertion retainer maintains the stringent standards our customers demand while providing them a product that reduces the risk of back injuries and wrist/hand disorders thus lowering health-related costs,” he added.

Gronau added that by directly benefiting the health and safety of assembly employees, Emhart’s low insertion retainer also results in improved production.  “For instance, many liftgate doors on domestic mini vans are assembled overhead meaning that when our fasteners are being used to assemble the trim, workers are reaching up over their heads.  Being in this type of position for any extended period of time could potentially cause neck and back injuries so having an insertion retainer that is easier to install would help them avoid workers’ compensation issues while improving employee morale,” Gronau said.

Emhart is the leading manufacturer of existing interior trim fasteners on vehicles produced in North America.  Emhart’s expectation is to replace their widely used “U base” fastener business with the enhanced product on new design vehicle introductions in 2003 and 2004.

In addition, Emhart has received significant interest from its customer base regarding this new product and some current models have switched to this new product and others are likely to follow, according to Gronau.

“The benefit of this engineering solution to the OEM has already lead us to create additional products that meet their demands.  Our customers have indicated their desire to use this fastener in other non-traditional applications.  As a result, we have begun to further enhance the product to allow it to satisfactorily function within higher stress applications,” he said.

About Emhart Teknologies

New Haven, Conn.-based Emhart Teknologies is the global leader in the design and creation of unique assembly technologies from concept through installation.  Emhart’s technology-based assembly products and systems deliver innovative, integrated system solutions to virtually any manufacturing challenge anywhere in the world.  From automotive to construction, computers to appliances, Emhart products are sold in more than 100 countries. A Black & Decker Company, Emhart has 3,000 employees in 24 operating facilities worldwide.  Please go to www.emhart.com for more information.

Contacts

Randy Gronau   
Metal Fasteners, Automotive Division
Emhart Teknologies
(586) 949-0440

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