02/13/2002 – BROWNSTOWN, Michigan

TDS/US automotive, the minority-owned venture of TDS automotive, has purchased the remaining 60 percent ownership stake in Triflex Industries.

TDS/US had purchased a 40 percent interest in Triflex last year as the first initiative in the company's strategy to become a certified minority service provider. This strategy has been successfully implemented and TDS/US automotive gained certification from the Michigan Minority Business Development Council (MMBDC) in December 2001. The company offers fully comprehensive logistics services to its automotive customers in the US. Triflex Industries is also an MMBDC-certified minority supplier.

The company which will continue to be called TDS/US automotive, is owned by a minority investment group lead by Willie Lanier and TDS automotive. Mark Wright, former owner and President of Triflex, will continue as president and CEO of TDS/US automotive, Bern Eugene will maintain responsibility for day-to-day assembly operations of the facilities, and David D'Annunzio will continue as Vice President Operations for TDS/US automotive.

Currently TDS/US automotive operates four facilities totalling 500,000 square feet and employs 450 people. Annual revenue is forecast at $33 million (USD) for FY2002.

“By combining these two MMBDC certified companies TDS/US automotive can expand its reach within the global automotive industry by offering our OEM and Tier 1 customers a minority supplier capable of providing high-complexity inbound and outbound logistics solutions,” explained Mark Wright.

This acquisition further enhances the profile of TDS automotive, a global company specializing in integrated and high value-added logistics services for the automotive industry; providing complete logistics solutions including sub-assembly, sequencing, export packing, deconsolidation, parts distribution, supply chain management, and packaging engineering and design services. TDS automotive has 36 locations throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia.