LORD Corporation Partners with Wabash National to Implement Structural Adhesive Bonding in Dry Freight and Refrigerated Vans
(CARY, NC - April 2, 2008) LORD Corporation - an industry leader in engineered structural adhesives, coatings, electronic materials and vibration/motion control solutions - has signed a long-term agreement with Wabash National® Corporation for the supply of LORD® Engineered Adhesives and LORD Fusor® Aftermarket Repair Adhesives.
The long-term agreement with Wabash National - one of the leading manufacturers of semi-trailers in North America - was signed at the Mid-America Trucking Show, held last week in Louisville, Ky. Adhesives manufactured by LORD will be used to replace traditional joining techniques in the assembly and repair of Wabash National trailers.
After conducting extensive benchmarking exercises, Wabash selected LORD from a broad pool of adhesive and sealant manufacturers. According to Rob Hancock, Vice President of Product Engineering at Wabash National, "We selected LORD because of their long and successful track record in structural bonding applications in the automotive, truck body and trailer industries, their technical expertise in truck body and trailer construction, extensive aftermarket and repair organization and their commitment to Wabash National's success."
According to Adam Conklin, LORD Account Manager, LORD Engineered Adhesives provide a solution for virtually every quality issue created by riveting and welding.
"LORD adhesives eliminate leak points, improve aesthetics, increase strength and rigidity, as well as eliminate galvanic, under-bond and general surface corrosion via proprietary LORD metal-bonding chemistry," said Conklin. "We appreciate the opportunity to partner with Wabash National to bring these advantages to their class-leading trailers."
Once structural bonding is implemented into production at Wabash National, LORD will supply Fusor Repair Adhesives and Procedures to Wabash National Trailer Centers, as well as Wabash National's dealers, fleet customers and owner-operators.
"Not only is Fusor the market-leading brand in the automotive aftermarket repair industry, but Fusor adhesives and procedures also have been used in the dry freight/refrigerated van industry for more than a decade," said Jim Perritt, LORD North America Sales Manager for Auto/Truck Aftermarket. "Off-road down-time and costs are significantly reduced when LORD Fusor adhesives are used in place of traditional patching and repair techniques."
"We are honored to be selected by Wabash National as their partner in the implementation of structural adhesive technology," said Jack De Leon, Vice President, Marketing & Sales, LORD Corporation. "Wabash is known for innovation and leadership in the transportation industry and we look forward to supporting their continued efforts."
About Wabash National
Headquartered in Lafayette, Ind., Wabash National® Corporation (NYSE: WNC) is one of the leading manufacturers of semi trailers in North America. Established in 1985, the company specializes in the design and production of dry freight vans, refrigerated vans, flatbed trailers, drop deck trailers, and intermodal equipment. Its innovative core products are sold under the DuraPlate®, ArcticLite®, and Eagle® brand names. The company operates two wholly-owned subsidiaries; Transcraft® Corporation, a manufacturer of flatbed and drop deck trailers; and Wabash National Trailer Centers, trailer service centers and retail distributors of new and used trailers and aftermarket parts throughout the U.S. For more information, visit www.wabashnational.com.
About LORD Corporation
With headquarters in Cary, N.C., USA, and sales in excess of $700-MM, LORD Corporation is a privately-held company that designs, manufactures and markets devices and systems to manage mechanical motion and control noise and vibration; formulates, produces and sells general purpose and specialty adhesives and coatings; and develops products and systems utilizing magnetically responsive technologies. With manufacturing in nine countries and offices in more than 15 major business centers, LORD Corporation employs more than 2,400 worldwide. Visit www.lord.com for more information.
Contact:
Kimberly Kayler
614-873-6706
or
kkayler@constructivecommunication.com
