Self-Piercing Fasteners target automotive applications.

Press Release Summary:

Available in strip or coil-form, Piercetek(TM) Pierce Nuts and Self-Piercing Anchor Plates(TM) range from 4-10 mm. Suited for automotive applications, units self-pierce sheet metal panels and mechanically stake fasteners into position in one continuous operation. Optional thread masking and various finishes are available.

Original Press Release:

MRC Expands U.S. Manufacturing Operations and Product Offering with the Introduction of PIERCETEK(TM) Line of Self-Piercing Fasteners

Warren, Michigan - January 12, 2005 MRC Industrial Group, Inc. today announced its entry into the self-piercing fastener market. The Company's introduction of its Piercetek(TM) line of Pierce Nuts and Self-Piercing Anchor Plates(TM) will significantly expand the range of products and services that MRC offers its customers. Pierce fasteners are used extensively in automotive applications as they provide reduced "in-place" cost of assembly by self-piercing sheet metal panels and mechanically staking fasteners into position in one continuous operation. Piercetek products, including strip or coil-form pierce nuts and self-piercing anchor plates, will be manufactured in a completely new, state-of-the-art production line that will be integrated into the Company's existing Petoskey, MI facility. Full production capacity of the initial manufacturing line will be in place by March, 2005. The Company is currently offering April 1, 2005 delivery dates for most popular sizes of Pierce Nuts. The range of Pierce Nuts to be offered will include 4mm to 10mm in strip or coil-form. Optional thread masking and various finishes are available. Bill Whitaker will assume the position of General Manager of MRC's Piercetek Division. "With over thirty years experience in the pierce nut industry, Bill is the leading expert in pierce nut product, installation and manufacturing technologies' said Steve Schulenburg, MRC's Chief Operating Officer. Whitaker said "It is exciting to be working with the people at MRC. I am thoroughly impressed with the competency and professionalism of the team here. MRC has the vision and the capability to become the world's best self-piercing fastener supplier." "The Company's expansion into the pierce nut business is a crucial part of our strategy to provide our North American customer base with a broader range of high quality, cost-effective products", said MRC President & Chief Executive Officer, Steven E. Engelman. About MRC MRC Industrial Group, Inc. is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of fasteners and precision components for industry. MRC's global manufacturing operations and extensive product offering provides its customers with a single-source global supply solution.