Released on December 12, 2007

Ladish Co. Inc., Cudahy, Wis., announced plans today to invest $16-$20 million to build a new investment casting facility in Mexico from the ground up, a plan that comes on the heels of an expansion announcement at the company’s U.S. plant.

The facility will produce titanium components and expects to supply aerospace customers in Mexico, the rest of North America and worldwide. Company officials reported that they are finishing due-diligence analysis of several possible locations for the planned 55-60,000-sq.-ft. plant. The company expects to complete the site-selection process during the first quarter of 2008.

“Our backlog of orders, approaching $600 million, coupled with build-schedule requirements locked in by an array of long-term agreements, has shaped this expansion strategy,” said Kerry Woody, president and CEO. “Mexico has the industrial infrastructure to support aerospace. Different states in Mexico offer different advantages and opportunities, so there are details that enter into negotiations before final commitments can be made.”

Woody expects that the move to invest in a second North American titanium investment casting facility will have a positive impact on the company's established casting operation Pacific Cast Technologies, Albany, Ore., based on the success of its two forging operations.

Accoridng to Woody, air-framers, system integrators and first-tier suppliers in supply chains Ladish serves are locating in Mexico. The Ladish chief believes that upon finalized site negotiation, the plant could be up and running in 14 to 20 months.

“Our previously announced factory expansion in Albany will fully utilize the space available for adding capacities,” said Randy Turner, president of Pacific Cast Technologies. “However, customer demand points to the need for even more capacity. That's what's driving our decision to extend capabilities into Mexico, because such a move meets customer expectations for greater affordability and global presence.”