Hayes Lemmerz Begins Preparation to Restart Huntington Operations

Hayes Lemmerz Begins Preparation to Restart Huntington Operations
CEO Curtis Clawson Expresses Condolences to Those Affected By October 29
Explosion in One Part of Indiana Facility 


NORTHVILLE, Mich., Oct. 31  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Hayes Lemmerz
International, Inc.  (BULLETIN BOARD: HAYZ)  announced today that it has
obtained agreement from government agencies to begin testing safety and other
plant systems at its Huntington Operations in preparation for resumption of
operations at the plant on a schedule still to be determined.

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Chairman and CEO Curtis Clawson also expressed his condolences to those affected
by the October 29 explosion that occurred in one part of the plant. "Our hearts
go out to the families, friends, and co-workers of the three employees affected
by this accident," he said.

"Safety is always our highest priority, and we are intensely focused on learning
the cause of this accident to help us protect our employees at all of our
facilities," he added.

Clawson and other senior Hayes Lemmerz officers flew to the facility, located
near Ft. Wayne, Indiana, early on October 30.  They visited the families of
affected employees to express their condolences directly, and spoke with
employees at the plant.

The Company said that its manufacturing and machining areas at its Huntington
Operations were not affected by the explosion in the aluminum chip reprocessing
system, located in the northwest corner of the building.

The plant employs about 250 people, of which about 80 were on duty at the time
of the incident.  Of the three maintenance associates who were in the area of
the explosion, one has died as a result of injuries, one remains hospitalized,
and one was treated and released at a local hospital.

Production at the plant, which makes aluminum wheels, was suspended due to the
explosion.

Customers were advised individually of specific product supply situations.

Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc. is a world leading global supplier of
automotive and commercial highway wheels, brakes, powertrain, suspension,
structural and other lightweight components.  The Company has 43 plants, 3 joint
venture facilities and 11,000 employees worldwide. 

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DATASOURCE: Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc.



CONTACT:  Marika P. Diamond of Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc.,

[phone]



Web site:  http://www.hayes-lemmerz.com/ 

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