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GMTA News Of Note (Issue 2015-1)

Ann Arbor, Michigan – GMTA (German Machine Tools of America) represents various top-quality German metalworking machine builders, including Wera Profilator, K + G, Pittler, Praewema and WMZ, as well as Arnold lasers and Rosink parts washers.  These machines are sold to the North American market exclusively by GMTA, primarily for gear and spline production, as well as other power transmission and various metalworking applications.  The company’s target markets include automotive, off-highway, energy and other heavy equipment manufacturing.  Machines are provided for gear honing, gear grinding, the patented Scudding® process for gearmaking, polygon milling, turning, gear tooth pointing and multi-task machining operations, as well as various laser operations or laser line integration and parts washing.  This newsletter is provided to our friends in the media to keep you and your readers updated on News of Note at GMTA.

In the news…

Scudding® tools to be produced by Star SU LLC for the North American market, in cooperation with GMTA.

-GMTA has formed an alliance with Star SU LLC in Hoffman Estates, Illinois to manufacture Scudding® tools for the North American market.  Scudding® is the radical improvement on traditional power skiving technology for gear production, long proven in the market to be faster, more accurate and versatile in use.  Often thought to be limited to internals only, Scudding is fast beginning to compete in certain applications with hobbing on external gears and splines, as well.   David Goodfellow of Star SU signed the agreement with GMTA president Walter Friedrich and VP Scott Knoy.

-GMTA continues to expand its representation of K + G (Kristen + Gormann), a tooling manufacturer in Germany that supplies the industry with products for inside grooving, turning, profile milling, facemilling, geartooth milling, chamfering and back angling.   K + G became the third line added in 2014 to the family of manufacturers currently represented by GMTA, joining Arnold lasers and Rosink parts washers.

-GMTA now offers a full integration service for production lines on gears, splines and other powertrain components. Bringing the various machine tool, laser and parts washer lines together, along with robotics, transfer mechanisms and other high-end automation, GMTA engineering has the ability to provide nearly end-to-end capability to many shops and production departments at major OEM’s and Tier vendors. As VP Scott Knoy explains, “We now offer our customers a comprehensive package of equipment, application engineering, tooling support, commissioning and after-sales service.”

-GMTA will be exhibiting at Gear Expo and EMO, this year, the latter in conjunction with partner companies in Europe.

-GMTA is supplying Magna Powertrain a variety of machine tools and systems for its Audi Flex program, both in Muncie, Indiana and Mexico.

-Both Ford and General Motors plants have purchased additional Praewema honing machines for various transmission programs.

-Jernberg Industries, Inc. in Bolingbrook, Illinois has added its fifth Profilator machine for ring gear production.

-GMTA hosted a field trip for the students in the German Clubs at two local schools to the famous Kristkindlmarkt at Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago. The festival is a recreation of the classic German street markets set up for the Christmas season, featuring artisans and craftsmen selling their wares, plus music, food and drink for the season, including gluhwein! The students and their leaders had a good time. Froeliche Weihnachten…that’s Merry Christmas in German. Leading the event for GMTA was the corporate treasurer, Claudia Hambleton. A good time and much gemütlichkeit were had by all!

For more information on this announcement, please contact:

GMTA (German Machine Tools of America)
4630 Freedom Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Phone: 734-973-7800
Fax: 734-973-3053
Web: www.gmtamerica.com
Email: scott@gmtamerica.com
Attention: Scott Knoy, VP
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GMTA News Of Note (Issue 2014-4)

Press conference at IMTS 2014

Press conference at IMTS 2014

Ann Arbor, Michigan – GMTA (German Machine Tools of America) represents various top-quality German metalworking machine builders, including Wera Profilator, Pittler, Praewema and WMZ, as well as Arnold lasers and Rosink parts washers.  These machines are sold to the North American market exclusively by GMTA, primarily for gear and spline production, as well as other power transmission and various metalworking applications.  The company’s target markets include automotive, off-highway, energy and other heavy equipment manufacturing.  Machines are provided for gear honing, gear grinding, the patented Scudding® process for gearmaking, polygon milling, turning, gear tooth pointing and multi-task machining operations.  This newsletter is provided to our friends in the media to keep you and your readers updated on News of Note at GMTA.

In the news…

GMTA-IMTS-PressConference6-GMTA had an extremely successful IMTS, running a media event, highlighted by the introduction of the Moduline® machining center.  This unique machine, built for high-production runs of various end products, offers customers an unmatched flexibility in their manufacturing.  In single work envelope, a wide variety of machining operations can be performed on a workpiece in single setup.  Of greatest significance is the fact those machining operations can be adapted, changed out, re-sequenced and completely reconfigured, all on the same machine.  The result is highly flexible production in a small footprint, with a single CNC controlling the overall machine and individual PLC’s running each optimized machine function per part.

Alfredo Contreras, manager of new GMTA office in Queretaro, Mexico

Alfredo Contreras, manager of new GMTA office in Queretaro, Mexico

-During the IMTS press event, presentations were given by GMTA   President Walter Friedrich, VP of Sales Scott Knoy, GMTA Product Manager for lathe technology Stefan Kloos and, visiting the show from Germany, DVS group VP for Sales & Marketing Bernd Rothenberger.   Highlighting the presentation was the announcement of the new GMTA facility in Queretaro, Mexico, recently opened by Regional Sales Manager Alfredo Contreras, who will be responsible for company sales and service in the fast-growing Mexican market for the company. See VIDEO of the press event here and an interview during IMTS with Walter and Scott, here.

-GMTA now represents K + G tooling in North America, including the company’s complete line of products for inside grooving, turning, milling, profiling, bit production, facemilling, gear tooth milling, chamfering, back angling and more.

-A definitive explanation on the trademarked Profilator Scudding® process for advanced gearmaking is now available from GMTA.  Please contact Scott Knoy at GMTA (below) for details.

-GMTA recently sponsored Eastern Michigan University’s German American Day, held for the 10th year at EMU’s Student Center for the dual purpose of cultural heritage celebration and business recruitment.  This year’s event happened on October 6.   GMTA has an ongoing relationship with EMU, supporting various degree programs in the graduate and business schools to help prepare students enter careers with enhanced technical and language skills.

For more information on this announcement, please contact:

GMTA (German Machine Tools of America)
4630 Freedom Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Phone: 734-973-7800
Fax: 734-973-3053
Web: www.gmtamerica.com
Email: scott@gmtamerica.com
Attention: Scott Knoy, VP
Connect with GMTA online: yt twit gplus fb

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GMTA News Of Note (Issue 2014-3)

Ann Arbor, Michigan – GMTA (German Machine Tools of America) represents various top-quality German metalworking machine builders, including Profilator, Pittler, Praewema and WMZ.  These machines are sold to the North American market by GMTA primarily for gear and spline production, as well as other power transmission applications.  The company’s target markets include automotive, off-highway, OCTG and other heavy equipment manufacturing.  Machines are provided for gear honing, gear grinding, the patented Scudding® process for gearmaking, polygon milling, turning, gear tooth pointing and multi-task machining operations.

In the news…

-Effective immediately for North America, GMTA now represents two additional lines of quality German machines.  Agreements have been finalized for GMTA to handle the Rosink line of parts washers plus the Arnold line of laser welding machines. According to Scott Knoy, VP at GMTA, “These are natural complements to our existing lines and will strengthen our value proposition in current and also new market segments, going forward.” A Rosink parts washer will be on display in the GMTA booth during the upcoming IMTS in Chicago.

-GMTA proudly announces the sale of multiple Profilator Scudding® machines to General Motors for gear production. It is estimated this purchase saved GM over $4 million in capital expenditures, compared with acquiring the multiple machines that would have been necessary to achieve the same production levels.

-GMTA also announces the sale of Profilator Scudding® and gear pointing machines to Magna Mexico, plus machines to Magna Canada for polygon generation.

-GMTA has sold nine (9) Praewema honing machines to Ford.

Claudia Hambleton, GMTA administrative manager and corporate treasurer, at her MBA graduation ceremony at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti

Claudia Hambleton, GMTA administrative manager and corporate treasurer, at her MBA graduation ceremony at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti

-Last but not least, by any means, GMTA proudly announces Claudia Hambleton, corporate treasurer and administrative manager, received her MBA from Eastern Michigan University (EMU) on April 27, 2014. Claudia has been a GMTA associate since the company opened its doors in January, 1991. As Claudia notes, “I am very grateful to GMTA for supporting my efforts to acquire an MBA. I look forward to using my new skills to further enhance the business at our company. It was also very rewarding to network with the business school students and staff at EMU, where GMTA now has a working relationship with their German business development track.” GMTA routinely hosts a program in German for students in the EMU business school who plan to work for or with German companies as a career path.

For more information on this announcement, please contact:

GMTA (GERMAN MACHINE TOOLS OF AMERICA)
4630 Freedom Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Phone: 734-973-7800
Fax: 734-973-3053
Web: www.gmtamerica.com
Email: scott@gmtamerica.com
Attention: Scott Knoy
Connect with GMTA online: yt twit gplus fb

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GMTA News Of Note (Issue 2014-2)

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Ann Arbor, Michigan – GMTA (German Machine Tools of America) represents various top-quality German metalworking machine builders, including Wera Profilator, Pittler, Praewema and WMZ.  These machines are sold to the North American market by GMTA primarily for gear and spline production, as well as other power transmission applications.  The company’s target markets include automotive, off-highway, energy and other heavy equipment manufacturing.  Machines are provided for gear honing, gear grinding, the patented Scudding® process for gearmaking, polygon milling, turning, gear tooth pointing and multi-task machining operations.  This newsletter is provided to our friends in the media to keep you and your readers updated on News of Note at GMTA.

In the news…

– GMTA proudly announces the addition of Stefan Kloos as Product Manager.  Stefan will handle the Pittler vertical turning lathes and WMZ centerdrive lathes.  He will be based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, North American Headquarters for GMTA.

New GMTA Product Manager Stefan Kloos

New GMTA Product Manager Stefan Kloos

– German Language and International Careers (LIC) students from Eastern Michigan University visited GMTA on March 12, 2014. Students were given a tour of GMTA facilities and a presentation in German by GMTA President, Walter Friedrich. As EMU Department of World Languages Professor Margrit Zinggeler Ph.D. pointed out, “Eastern Michigan was one of the first universities to combine foreign language with a practical business component. The EMU major in language and international careers (LIC) is designed to integrate the study of modern foreign languages and cultures with preparation for an international business career. The major objective of the program is to provide students with the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to function in a foreign environment and in professional dealings with people and clients who speak a foreign language. It is a very useful course of study in today’s global economy, especially with so many foreign companies setting up shop in the U.S.” After the presentation and questions, students were invited to a typical German “Brotzeit” (evening meal of German bread and coldcuts) and, of course, ample quantities of German beer Reissdorf Koelsch!  GMTA is proud to support young people in the community and help provide them with (German) language opportunities in a business environment.

Students from Eastern Michigan University’s Language and International Careers (LIC) program visited GMTA for a detailed explanation in German from the company president, Walter Friedrich, right.  Leading the group was Professor Margrit Zinggeler, Ph.D., third from the right

Students from Eastern Michigan University’s Language and International Careers (LIC) program visited GMTA for a detailed explanation in German from the company president, Walter Friedrich, right. Leading the group was Professor Margrit Zinggeler, Ph.D., third from the right

– A definitive explanation on the trademarked Profilator Scudding® process for advanced gearmaking is now available from GMTA.  Please contact Scott Knoy below for details.

– GMTA supports the Judson Center, a charity that serves the needs of individuals with life challenges such as autism.  Every year, the Center tries to provide the youngsters served with a life-changing event.  This year, the Center is providing 150 bicycles.  GMTA is part of a group of companies supplying the bikes, along with GM Warren Transmission and local radio station, 95.5 WYCD Detroit Country. Claudia Hambleton coordinated the effort for GMTA.

For more information on this announcement, please contact:

GMTA (GERMAN MACHINE TOOLS OF AMERICA)
4630 Freedom Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Phone:  734-973-7800
Fax:  734-973-3053
Web:  www.gmtamerica.com
Email:  scott@gmtamerica.com
Attention:  Scott Knoy
Connect with GMTA online: yt twit gplus fb

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GMTA News Of Note (Issue 2013-5)

vlcsnap-2012-05-30-15h26m58s146

Ann Arbor, Michigan – GMTA (German Machine Tools of America) represents various top-quality German metalworking machine builders, including Profilator, Pittler, Praewema and WMZ.  These machines are sold to the North American market by GMTA primarily for gear and spline production, as well as other power transmission applications.  The company’s target markets include automotive, off-highway, OCTG and other heavy equipment manufacturing.  Machines are provided for gear honing, gear grinding, the patented Scudding® process for gearmaking, polygon milling, turning, gear tooth pointing and multi-task machining operations.

-GMTA is embarking on an aggressive new ad program in 2014, seeking to expand its market reach in automotive and gain additional exposure in other machine tool end users sectors, including aerospace, medical and energy.  This effort will be enhanced by a direct marketing and social media campaign, as the company ramps up to a major presence planned for IMTS in September.In the news…

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-GMTA recently sponsored a learning day for local area school children, including all 7th graders from the Saline, Michigan schools who are currently studying German.  The group visited Frankenmuth, Michigan, which bills itself as “the American town with a German Bavarian heritage.”   The group visited the historical museum and enjoyed an array of fun activities.  Frankenmuth is also home to America’s premier Christmas store!

-GMTA recently became a member of the Michigan Chapter of the German American Chamber of Commerce.  Claudia Hambelton from GMTA attended the annual Fall Dinner, where the keynote speaker was Sheryl Connelly, the Global Consumer Trends and Futuring Manager for Ford, who spoke on the topic of how companies can prepare themselves for oncoming trends in the market.

-An open house to celebrate the newly expanded facility in Ann Arbor, Michigan will be held soon.  Details to come, so stay tuned!

-A definitive explanation on the Scudding® process for gearmaking, plus informative videos on this breakthrough technology, are now available from GMTA.  Click HERE to access the video.

For more information on this announcement, please contact:

GMTA (GERMAN MACHINE TOOLS OF AMERICA)
4630 Freedom Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Phone:  734-973-7800
Fax:  734-973-3053
Web:  www.gmtamerica.com
Email:  scott@gmtamerica.com
Attention:  Scott Knoy
Connect with GMTA online: yt twit gplus fb

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GMTA News Of Note (Issue 2013-4)

Ann Arbor, Michigan – GMTA (German Machine Tools of America) represents various top-quality German metalworking machine builders, including Profilator, Pittler, Praewema and WMZ. These machines are sold to the North American market by GMTA primarily for gear and spline production, as well as other power transmission applications. The company’s target markets include automotive, off-highway, OCTG and other heavy equipment manufacturing.  Machines are provided for gear honing, gear grinding, Scudding®, polygon milling, turning, gear tooth pointing and multiple machining operations.

MaikSchminke

Maik Schminke is named Manager of Controls Engineering & Programming

In the news…

-Effective October 1, Maik Schminke was named Manager of Controls Engineering & Programming at the Ann Arbor facility of GMTA.  According to GMTA President Walter Friedrich, “This appointment fills our need to provide and support customers with machine tool controls, SPS, PLC and CNC programming.” Schminke has worked for the past 12 years at the German partner to GMTA, Diskus, part of the large DVS Group in Germany). Prior to Diskus, he worked at Pittler, another GMTA partner company in Germany and also a DVS Group company. Schminke completed his apprenticeship program, while at Pittler.

-EMO was a BIG success for all the partners to GMTA. Walter Friedrich and Scott Knoy from GMTA attended the show and saw many North American customers and friends, then visited their partner companies. As it was Oktoberfest in Germany, Walter and Scott also sampled several local brews. A good time was had by all!

-Plans are underway to have an open house at the newly renovated GMTA facility in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  This expanded facility now houses parts and service, a full machine demo center, sales and corporate management for this growing machine tool company.  GMTA is the exclusive North American distributor for leading German machine tool builders and tooling suppliers, concentrated in the gear and spline production machine markets.

For more information on this announcement, please contact:

GMTA (German Machine Tools of America)
4630 Freedom Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Phone:  734-973-7800
Fax:  734-973-3053
Web:  www.gmtamerica.com
Email:  scott@gmtamerica.com
Attention:  Scott Knoy, VP
Connect with GMTA online: yt twit gplus fb

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GMTA News Of Note (Issue 2013-3)

Ann Arbor, Michigan – GMTA (German Machine Tools of America) represents various top-quality German metalworking machine builders, including Profilator, Pittler, Praewema and WMZ.  These machines are sold to the North American market by GMTA primarily for gear and spline production, as well as other power transmission applications.  The company’s target markets include automotive, off-highway, OCTG and other heavy equipment manufacturing.  Machines are provided for gear honing, gear grinding, Scudding®, polygon milling, turning, gear tooth pointing and multiple machining operations.

In the news…

– The renovation of the GMTA facility in Ann Arbor, Michigan is now complete with plans in the works for future expansion of the campus.  Additional floorspace, showroom capacity and training facilities, plus more personnel, are planned, according to company VP Scott Knoy.  In that regard, two personnel announcements were made by GMTA company President Walter Friedrich on August 1.  Doug VanDeven is now GMTA Parts Manager and Shawn Wilkin is now GMTA Service Manager.  As Friedrich remarked, “These two positions are essential parts of our business, as they reflect our company’s image to our customers.”

– GMTA will be exhibiting at Gear Expo in Indianapolis in September.

– All the member groups of GMTA will be exhibiting at EMO in Hannover, Germany in September.  GMTA representatives Walter Friedrich and Scott Knoy will attend.

– A major sale was recently secured on the Chrysler nine-speed transmission program.

– GMTA will now represent K+G (Kristen + Goermann) carbide inserts, toolholders and cutters, plus offer a new line of GMTA Scudding® tools.  An agreement negotiation to represent Naxos grinding wheels and hone rings is underway at this time, as well.

For more information on this announcement, please contact:

GMTA (German Machine Tools of America)
4630 Freedom Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Phone:  734-973-7800
Fax:  734-973-3053
Web:  www.gmtamerica.com
Email:  sales@gmtamerica.com
Attention:  Scott Knoy, VP
Connect with GMTA online: yt twit gplus fb

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GMTA News Of Note (Issue 2013-1)

Ann Arbor, Michigan – GMTA (German Machine Tools of America) represents various top-quality German metalworking machine builders, including Profilator, Pittler, Praewema and WMZ.  These machines are sold to the North American market by GMTA primarily for gear and spline production, as well as other power transmission applications.  The company’s target markets include automotive, off-highway, OCTG and other heavy equipment manufacturing.  Machines are provided for gear honing, gear grinding, Scudding®, polygon milling, turning, gear tooth pointing and multiple machining operations.

In the news…

-DVS, the parent company of Pittler, Praewema and WMZ in Germany, has plans to expand its North American operations, owing to the success achieved with GMTA in this market

-Scudding® technology, pioneered by Profilator, continues to impact the North American gear and spline markets, due to its superior performance compared to other methods of production; several competitors trying to offer it, proving that indeed, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.”

-The renovation of the GMTA facility in Ann Arbor, Michigan is now complete with plans in the works for future expansion of the campus.  Additional floorspace, showroom capacity and training facilities, plus more personnel, are planned, according to company VP Scott Knoy.

-Now in final runoff with anticipated start-up in June, GMTA has provided eight machines (16 spindles total) for the advanced cylinder lining program to the Caterpillar operation in Mapleton, Illinois;  project for GMTA valued at $15,000,000

-Order received from Chrysler for Phase III transmission line at IPT1 in Indiana

-GMTA and DVS will have joint booth space, considerably expanded, at IMTS 2014

For more information on this announcement, please contact:

GMTA (German Machine Tools of America)
4630 Freedom Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Phone:  734-973-7800
Fax:  734-973-3053
Web:  www.gmtamerica.com
Email:  scott@gmtamerica.com
Attention:  Scott Knoy, VP
Connect with GMTA online: yt twit gplus fb

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New Website For GMTA

Company name change, all machine lines and more featured at new website

 Ann Arbor, Michigan– German Machine Tools of America (the former American-Wera) has rolled out its new website, www.gmtamerica.com, which includes details on the name change, all the lines of high-quality German machine tools represented by the company with links to those manufacturers’ sites, operational videos, full machine specifications and a complete listing of the GMTA network of sales and service offices in North America.

GMTA is the American partnership that represents all the following lines of German machine tool manufacturers:

Profilator
WMZ
Pittler
Praewema
MAE

These machines, which include grinders, hones, lathes, mills, turn/mill, mill/turn and fully robotic machining centers and work cells, are primarily used for gear and spline making, as well as bar, billet, shaft, axle straightening and wheelset pressing in the automotive, off-highway, rail, steel and other heavy-duty or high-production metal manufacturing markets in North America.  The company pioneered scudding technology and is an acknowledged market leader in this high-precision, high-speed method of gearmaking.

GMTA provides application engineering, machine sales, commissioning, training and complete customer service from its various locations.  Company headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan is currently being expanded to further supply assistance to customers and will include a full showroom of machinery, to be used for demo and training purposes.

Commenting on the new website, GMTA Vice President Scott Knoy comments, “We now have a website that reflects all our capabilities, shows customers and prospects our machines in action and gives them a very easy-to-navigate site, through which they can access our full team of sales and support professionals, as well as our German partner companies.”   GMTA President Walter Friedrich adds, “We are very proud of this website and we know it will help our business grow to benefit our partners and us. We have a strong presence in the North American machine tool market and this site tells our story quite well.”

For more information on this announcement, please contact:

GMTA (German Machine Tools of America)
4630 Freedom Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Phone:  734-973-7800
Fax:  734-973-3053
Web:  www.gmtamerica.com
Email:  sales@gmtamerica.com
Attention:  Scott Knoy, VP
Connect with GMTA online: yt twit gplus fb

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American Wera Changes Name to German Machine Tools of America (GMTA)

New name to better reflect the scope of the machinery now represented throughout North America by the company  

Ann Arbor, Michigan –Effective June 11, 2012, American Wera is now officially renamed German Machine Tools Of America (GMTA) and continues to represent various top-quality German metalworking machine builders, including Profilator, Pittler, Praewema, WMZ and MAE.  These machines are sold for gear and spline production, vertical turning, flexible machining solutions (blank to finish part solutions), as well as bar, pipe and tube straightening plus wheelset pressing.  The company’s target markets include automotive, off-highway, OCTG, rail, wind energy, aerospace and other heavy equipment manufacturing.

This announcement was made jointly by GMTA President Walter Friedrich and Vice President of Sales Scott Knoy.

“The reason for the name change is simply that the parent company wished to use a name that is more representative of all the lines we handle in North America,” said Knoy.

Originally formed as the North American subsidiary for Wera in Germany, GMTA today provides application engineering, sales and service for a broad range of machine tools and metal fabricating equipment.  GMTA has representatives throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Other key company individuals include Claudia Hambleton, Treasurer; Doug VanDeven, Service/Parts Manager and Shawn Wilkin, Senior Service Engineer.  Joseph Kemple remains the dedicated Product Manager for the MAE line of straightening and wheelset presses.

For more information on this announcement, please contact:

GMTA (German Machine Tools of America)
4630 Freedom Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Phone:  734-973-7800
Fax:  734-973-3053
Web:  www.gmtamerica.com
Email:  sales@gmtamerica.com
Attention:  Scott Knoy, VP
Facebook: GMTA
Twitter: @GMTA_US

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