MERIDIAN AUTOMOTIVE Systems Inc, a US supplier of metal, thermoplastic and composite automotive components, is to start supplying sheet molding compound (SMC) to other manufacturers of composite parts.

The company’s SMC formulations have been developed for use in its own moulding operations, which primarily focus on transportation-related applications such as exterior body panels like doors, decklids and roof systems, and structural components such as truck pick-up boxes and running boards.

Meridian, with headquarters in Allen Park, Michigan, produces SMC at a plant in Grabill, Indiana. The facility, constructed in 2003, produces polyester, vinyl ester and blended resin compounds reinforced with glass fibre, glass fabric or carbon fibre.

"This expansion is part of the business growth initiative of our composites group into the consumer and industrial market," says Meridian’s president and CEO Richard E. Newsted. "We have added dedicated resources to support our new customers in the SMC compound market, and we intend to provide high quality, competitive products and services to these customers."

Meridian Automotive Systems; www.meridianautosystems.com