About DMI and the Transaction

Carlyle acquired Diversified Machine Inc. (DMI) in November 2005 and exited the investment through a sale to Platinum Equity in December 2011. DMI is a global sole-source supplier of powertrain components and safety-critical autoframes to major automotive companies and large suppliers. DMI is also the largest global supplier of steering knuckles— a highly engineered component that, together with the steering arm, allows a wheel to pivot.

In partnership with DMI’s management team, Carlyle acquired the company out of bankruptcy and focused the next six years on re-building its operations. Despite a challenging economic climate for the automotive industry, DMI enhanced its product offerings, expanded its global footprint and increased employment. DMI is headquartered in Wixom, MI, and it operates 10 global manufacturing facilities, including plants in: Columbus, GA; Bristol, IN; Howell, MI; Montague, MI; Edon, OH; and Milwaukee, WI. During Carlyle’s ownership, DMI expanded employment from 425 to approximately 2,350, including unionized employees affiliated with the United Steelworkers and United Electrical Workers Union.

Expanding Global Operations and Integrating New Businesses

Supported by Carlyle, DMI expanded its global manufacturing presence. Using existing customer relationships, DMI targeted opportunities where it could supply the same components in multiple geographic markets. DMI made several acquisitions to give it a foothold in key countries. The company established a presence in Europe by acquiring a machining plant in Barcelona, Spain and an aluminum foundry and casting operation in Vaux, France. Additionally, after winning several key contracts, DMI established a Chinese manufacturing presence to supply Chinese domestic and other Asian markets.

While expanding operations, DMI’s management team focused on integrating the new businesses and maintaining the company’s process-driven culture. DMI developed systems to track key performance metrics on a daily basis and implemented new protocols to manage the diverse and expanding employee base. With these systems in place, DMI has achieved significant operating improvements, including higher productivity, enhanced customer quality and better safety performance. The systems and processes that management has deployed throughout the company have created a platform for future growth.

Focusing on New Products and Materials

During Carlyle’s ownership, DMI enhanced its product offerings to meet growing customer demands for lighter and more efficient components. To address stricter emissions regulations and fuel-efficient requirements, automobile manufacturers are increasingly seeking to substitute lighter materials in parts that are currently constructed predominantly from iron or steel. DMI identified this shift towards more fuel-efficient vehicles and began to develop aluminum-based products. In 2007, DMI began casting and engineering aluminum knuckles for many customers, including BMW, Ford and Nissan among others. DMI’s proficiency in manufacturing highly engineered, safety-critical aluminum components gives the Company a distinct advantage when competing for new business.

Diversifying into a Vertically-Integrated Company

During Carlyle’s ownership, DMI expanded its manufacturing capabilities to offer customers a full range of services. At the time of Carlyle’s investment, DMI was a local operation focused on machining finished products. Over time, Carlyle supported the company’s strategy to add new business lines such as engineering and casting. Today, DMI has the distinct advantage of being one of the few companies offering fully-integrated design, development, testing, casting, machining and assembly capabilities, of both aluminum and ductile iron components.