In 2001, NCC saw a key opportunity to retain important technology for Dayton, Ohio when it learned Delphi Automotive Systems (NYSE: DPH) was selling its composite spring business in the United States and Europe. NCC’s ability to identify the right partners and lead negotiations resulted in the successful sale of Delphi’s composite spring business and its Liteflex trademark to Dayton-based entrepreneur John Prikkel, in conjunction with NCC.
The new enterprise, called Liteflex LLC, is building on its base business, which is the molding and finishing of composite springs, a direct replacement for steel leaf springs. In addition to working to expand the Liteflex business in Europe, the company is also taking steps to penetrate the medium and heavy-duty truck market.
NCC is currently relocating select pieces of Delphi equipment to its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in preparation for future prototype development work for both Liteflex and other customers. In addition, NCC is taking steps to penetrate the aerospace and medical industries with the core technology of the precision filament winding process. In aerospace the emphasis will focus on space applications. In the medical field, there are applications for items like gurneys. The unique partnership is expected to produce an annual economic impact of $23 million for the Dayton area.