TORONTO - Triam Automo-tive Inc. plans to set up a technology center in the Detroit area to boost its services to major automakers. The Toronto-based business recently purchased Lexel Engineering, a Troy, Mich., contract engineering company that specializes in structural analysis and software development, said Triam Automotive spokesman Bruce Sedik.
Former Lexel personnel will form the core of Triam's new center, which eventually will include product design, prototyping and testing. Triam also announced an expansion of its Sterling Heights, Mich., metal-stamping plant.
Sedik said the firm has no immediate plan to expand its plastics injection molding division in Stoney Creek, Ontario.
Triam's sales for its fiscal year ended Jan. 31 were C$95.9 million (US$71 million), of which plastics molding accounted for nearly 26 percent.
Net profit for that period was C$500,000 (US$370,000), despite significant operating losses in its plastics division, the company reported.