Exco Earn Transmission Case Mold Business From Ford.

Exco Technologies Ltd. said that its Exco Engineering division, located in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada has been awarded an important transmission mold contract by Ford Motor for its 6RXX program. Under this contract, Exco will supply Ford with prototype tooling for the next generation six-speed, rear wheel drive transmission case.

Exco expects to supply the first development castings under this contract in the first quarter of 2003. The introduction of new transmissions reflects the desire by automakers to produce more fuel-efficient vehicles. This trend is very positive for Exco and should result in new die- cast mold business. In anticipation of this trend, Exco increased its manufacturing capacity several years ago.

Accordingly, Exco anticipates increased profitability as capacity utilization increases.