MZ Milacron

Milacron Inc. (NYSE: MZ), a leading global supplier of plastics-processing technologies and industrial fluids, announced that its mold technologies unit, D-M-E Company, has entered into a strategic alliance with Futaba Corporation, a leading supplier of high-quality mold bases in Japan. The strategic alliance creates new opportunities worldwide for both Futaba and D-M-E. Futaba will have access to D-M-E�s industry-leading advanced tooling technologies and wide range of products, including hot runner systems, temperature controllers, stack mold centering devices and more, enabling them to better serve the increasingly sophisticated Japanese marketplace. Futaba will also have access to D-M-E�s global distribution and service network to expand sales of Futaba products outside of Japan. D-M-E will have increased manufacturing capabilities in Asia through the use of Futaba facilities for more timely, cost-effective production and distribution in this growing region. In addition, the alliance will enhance D-M-E�s mold base and component offerings to customers around the world. �We are excited to strengthen our position in mold technologies by partnering with a company that brings not only hot runner systems but also a worldwide perspective and reach to new product development and mold technologies,� said Nobumitsu Kanetsuna, executive vice president of Futaba Corporation. �The joining of these two companies leads to our ability to better serve molders and moldmakers around the globe.� �D-M-E is pleased to partner with such a respected company that is committed to manufacturing excellence as seen in their high quality lines of mold bases and components,� said Dave Lawrence, D-M-E president. �We are excited for this opportunity to enhance the product and service offerings of both companies.� As part of the arrangement, Futaba has purchased Mitsubishi Steel Manufacturing�s shares in D-M-E�s joint venture operation, JADME, which will continue to focus on the mold technologies market in Japan. D-M-E retains majority ownership in the JV. Any forward-looking statements above by their nature involve risks and uncertainties that could significantly impact operations, markets, products and expected results. For further information please refer to the Cautionary Statement included in Milacron�s most recent Form 10-K on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Futaba Corporation was established in 1948 as a manufacturer and seller of receiver vacuum tubes. Utilizing vacuum tube technology, Futaba began manufacturing vacuum fluorescent displays. In 1962, Futaba began producing radio control equipment as well as press die set components. This was followed by the development of mold base components and the more recent addition of VFD modules to complete the lineup of Futaba�s major products. Firmly embracing the principle of manufacturing each component in-house, Futaba creates everything from its own tools to its own manufacturing facilities. For more information, visit http://www1.futaba.co.jp/english/index.htm. D-M-E Company is an essential mold technologies resource to customers worldwide. In addition to offering the plastics industry�s broadest range of market-leading products, D-M-E provides unsurpassed knowledge, a global logistics infrastructure, and exceptional service every step of the way. This support ensures that customers get the speed, accuracy and quality they need across D-M-E�s complete line of hot runner systems, control systems, mold bases and components, mold making and molding equipment and supplies. A subsidiary of Milacron Inc., D-M-E also manufactures and sells standard tooling for the die-casting industry. Visit www.dme.net for more information. First incorporated in 1884, Milacron Inc. is a leading global supplier of plastics-processing technologies and industrial fluids, with major manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and Asia. For further information, visit www.milacron.com or call Milacron�s toll-free investor line: (800) 909-6452.