| Description |
|
Midgate Assembly |
| OEM, Model, Model Year |
|
General Motors, Avalanche, 2002 |
| System Supplier, Contact, Phone |
|
Meridian Automotive Systems, Ron Tomaszewski, (248)586-2577 |
| Molder/Processor, Contact and Phone |
|
Meridian Automotive Systems, Eric Cardinali, (219)355-2449 |
| Toolmaker, Contact and Phone |
|
Briadco Tool, Ron Tomaszewski, (248)586-2577 |
| Material Supplier, Contact and Phone |
|
Bayer, Owens Corning, Ron Tomaszewski, (248)586-2577 |
| Generic resin type |
|
PU |
| Resin Trade Name |
|
Baydur |
| Grade |
|
425 |
| OEM Engineer, Title and Phone |
|
Tony Posawatz, Assistant VLE, (248)874-8800 |
| Nominated by, Company |
|
Ron Tomaszewski, Meridian Automotive Systems |
| Address |
|
29333 STEPHENSON HWY, MADISON HTS, MI 48071 |
| Phone |
|
(248)596-2577 |
| Fax |
|
(248)586-3451 |
| Email |
|
rtomaszewski@meridianautosystems.com |
| Summary | | Structural panel that reconfigures to convert a short pickup box into an 8 foot box. Integral to the system that seals off the box from water intrusion, when used with a tonneau cover. Weight Savings: 10 lbs Cost Savings: N/A Cost Avoidance: N/A |
| Most Innovative Feature | | Structural panel that reconfigures to convert a short pickup box into an 8 foot box. |
| Other Innovative Features | | Part of a system that seals off the box from water intrusion, when used with a tonneau cover. |
| Forming Process | | Thermoset (SMC, SRIM), and thermoplastic (injection) |
| First time process used? | | Yes |
| Previous Process Used | | Product is new to industry |
| Tooling Innovations | | Special shear edge design for SRIM tools to function with high glass content. |
| New Material Developments | | Mold release technology in the urethane resin system. |
| Weight Savings | | 10 lbs |
| Direct Cost Savings | | N/A |
| Indirect Cost Savings | | N/A |
| Direct Consumer Benefit | | The direct benefit is the ability to convert the truck for various customer needs (cargo load, passenger carrying). Dent and corrosion resistance. |
| Translates to other Vehicles? | | Yes |
| Safety Benefits | | The SRIM panel has high impact resistance, which is crucial to occupant safety from object in the truck box. |
| Additional Info | | This product is the first of it's kind in mass production, and is expected to become widely popular with the public. |