ALLEN PARK, Mich., May 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Meridian Automotive Systems, Inc. today announced that it has launched a sales and marketing initiative to supply raw sheet molding compound ("SMC") to other molders in the thermoset composites industry. Meridian's Grabill, Indiana single-purpose SMC compounding facility is a state-of-the-art operation that produces SMC with precision controlled consistency and compound ingredient diversity. The Grabill facility, constructed in 2003, produces polyester, vinyl ester and blended resin compounds reinforced with glass fiber, glass cloth or carbon fiber. Meridian's SMC formulations and technical service capabilities have been honed to perfection for use in its own extensive SMC molding operations, which predominantly focus on transportation-related applications.

Richard E. Newsted, Meridian's President and CEO, said, "This expansion is part of the business growth initiative of our composites group into the consumer and industrial market. 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."

About Meridian Automotive Systems, Inc
Meridian Automotive Systems is a leading supplier of technologically advanced front and rear end modules, exterior thermoplastics and composites, lighting and interior systems to automobile and truck manufacturers. Meridian operates 21 primary facilities in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Brazil supplying Original Equipment Manufacturers and major Tier One parts suppliers.