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Accuride embarks on a new era of growth and sustained innovation, Manufacturing Today sits down with Joseph Brodzinksi, Vice President of Operations( Wheels), and Skotti Fietsam, Global Senior Vice President of Supply Chain and CIO, to learn more about the forces driving its evolution and continued success.
“ Accuride’ s recent growth is driven by several key factors. The company has made a strategic shift from survival to focused North American growth, supported by new ownership that injected capital and stabilized finances, enabling reinvestments in the businesses that generate the strongest returns,” Skotti begins.“ Accuride is capturing market share gains through stronger commercial execution; improving pricing, upselling product‐enhancing features, and leveraging innovation such as new products like ProShield XGT™, all of which contribute incremental revenue. Finally, a recovering commercial vehicle market has expanded demand after several difficult years, lifting volumes organically.”
Building on this momentum, Accuride’ s ProShield XGT™ stands out as a key example of how the company is enhancing product performance and creating additional value for its customers.
“ ProShield XGT™ is a patent‐pending metal conversion process that chemically bonds a protective layer into the aluminum microstructure of the wheel,” Joseph explains.“ Because the protection is built into the metal( not just applied on top), it prevents the most common and damaging failure: filiform corrosion. The metal‐conversion process creates a hydrophobic surface, causing water, oils, and contaminants to bead and roll off, meaning the wheels can be cleaned with just soap and water.” ▲ Joseph Brodzinksi, Vice President of Operations( Wheels)
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