The FINANCIAL — As a successful manufacturer of quality casting parts to the automotive, aerospace, railroad and heavy industrial equipment businesses, Bodine Aluminum, Inc., will celebrate its 100th anniversary with team members and executives at a private reception this weekend.
Bodine Aluminum, originally known as Bodine Pattern Company, was founded in 1912 in St. Louis by Jesse R. Bodine to manufacture patterns for various automotive customers. As the company expanded, it was the first in the region to heat-treat aluminum castings for military and aircraft production. This led to diversified business opportunities within other industries. Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) purchased the company in 1990.
Today, Bodine produces engine brackets; carrier covers; cylinder heads and blocks; automatic transmission parts for Toyota’s engine and transmission plants in Alabama, Kentucky and West Virginia. As Toyota Motor reported, it employs 1,100 at its three locations in Missouri (Troy and St. Louis) and Tennessee (Jackson) and its total investment tops $600 million.
“Bodine’s 100th anniversary here in the Show-Me State, and respected brand name in the auto supplier industry, should be a source of pride for all Missourians,” said Missouri Governor Jay Nixon. “With the state of Missouri leading the rebirth of the American auto manufacturing industry, I expect Bodine to continue to prosper for generations to come.”
“When Bodine and Toyota began their partnership in 1990, we recognized its outstanding production methods, high quality and deep roots of manufacturing in America for a variety of industries,” said Dr. Shoichiro Toyoda, honorary chairman of TMC. “Bodine team members are the reason for our success in North America.”
“Bodine’s 100 years as a successful American manufacturer is a result of our team member’s ability to adapt to change,” said Bob Lloyd, president of Bodine. “They accept the idea that there’s no best way; only a better way.”
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