20th
May 2008 -
ArvinMeritor
Announces New Monthly Commodity Surcharge
Company Taking Necessary Actions to Offset Surging Steel and Energy
Prices
ArvinMeritor, Inc.
has reported that it plans to initiate a new commodity surcharge
starting June 1, 2008.
“As a result of the
sudden and extraordinary surges in the price of steel, energy and other
commodities, we are implementing a monthly review and adjustment process
on all products,” said Chip McClure, chairman, CEO and president of
ArvinMeritor. “We have a portfolio of complex products that require
varying levels of commodities. We plan to adjust the surcharge as
appropriate for each product line.”
In ArvinMeritor’s
second-quarter earnings report issued on April 29, 2008, the company
stated that the unprecedented volatility in the commodity markets –
including a global shortage of scrap steel, a rapid escalation in the
price of critical raw materials such as iron ore, coking coal and metal
alloys, and higher fuel and energy costs, would require it to take
recovery actions to mitigate a significant impact to the company’s
financial results.
McClure continued,
“We remain diligent in the performance improvement actions and cost
reduction initiatives we are driving throughout our worldwide
operations, however, these will not be enough to offset the level of
cost increases we are experiencing. Our global team has worked hard to
improve the company’s financial results, and we have the responsibility
to take the necessary actions to protect our bottom line.
The Commercial
Vehicle Systems and Light Vehicle Systems business groups have conducted
an extensive analysis to determine the magnitude of this situation and
its potential effect on the business,” said McClure. “Results of that
analysis clearly indicate that immediate actions are necessary.”
The company has
begun discussions with its customers prior to implementing the
surcharge.
About ArvinMeritor
ArvinMeritor, Inc.
is a premier global supplier of a broad range of integrated systems,
modules and components to the motor vehicle industry. The company serves
commercial truck, trailer and specialty original equipment manufacturers
and certain aftermarkets, and light vehicle manufacturers. Headquartered
in Troy, Mich., ArvinMeritor employs approximately 19,000 people in 24
countries. ArvinMeritor common stock is traded on the New York Stock
Exchange under the ticker symbol ARM. For more information, visit the
company's Web site at www.arvinmeritor.com
Source: ArvinMeritor Press Release