LTV is a joint venture partner in the TWB Company of Monroe, Michigan. An enterprise of Worthington Industries and Thyssen Stahl, TWB produces laser tailor welded steel blanks for automotive stamping operations.

Laser tailor welded blanks are two or more pieces of flat rolled steel with similar or dissimilar gauges, coatings or properties--welded into one part. The blanks are generating significant interest from automakers around the world for their ability to reduce weight and cost while improving structural integrity and efficient use of material.

Automotive parts currently being made with laser tailor welded blanks include body side frames, wheel house panels, center pillars, pillar reinforcements, motor compartment rails, bumper reinforcements, frame rails, floor panels, and front and rear door inner panels.

Forecasts for future sales of laser tailor welded blanks show significant increases over the next two years. TWB, which supplies nearly half of the total North American laser tailor welded blank market, will prosper as demand increases.

TWB announced a 63% increase in its laser welding capability for the 1999 model year. LTV holds an 11% interest in TWB.

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