Jan. 2007 — Noble International, Ltd. has signed a long-term joint venture agreement with a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wuhan Iron and Steel Co. (WISCO) to enter the Chinese automotive market for laser-welded blanks. The 50%/50% joint venture will operate under the name WISCO Noble Laser Welding Technology Co., Ltd.

Under terms of the joint venture agreement, Noble and WISCO will each invest up to $1.25 million in cash. Additional investments will be dictated by commercial requirements. The joint venture expects to obtain funding from financial institutions in China as needed. Noble will contribute operating management to the joint venture and provide training. WISCO/Noble intends to enter into steel supply and technology agreements with WISCO and Noble, respectively.

"We are pleased to announce our entry into the Chinese automotive market and our partnership with WISCO,” commented Noble's President, Steven A. Prue. “WISCO is an important business partner for Noble and has demonstrated its commitment to the Chinese automotive market by recently opening a state-of- the-art, cold-rolled steel production facility. The announcement of our joint venture with WISCO marks Noble's latest step in its transformation into a full-service, global auto body solutions provider.”

The WISCO/Noble joint venture is expected to receive final approval from the Chinese government in the first quarter of 2007, with laser-welded blank production expected to begin during the second half of 2007. The joint venture partners have already held several discussions with Chinese automakers regarding laser-welded blank production.

“We believe we are entering the Chinese market at the right time and with a strong partner,” stated Thomas L. Saeli, Noble's CEO. “Our long-term joint venture agreement allows us to drive growth in the world's fastest-growing automotive market as more automakers establish or expand production there. We look forward to working with WISCO and expanding our relationship as we grow together.”

WISCO is the third-largest steel producer in China.

Noble International is a leading supplier of automotive parts, component assemblies and value-added services to the automotive industry. As an automotive supplier, Noble provides design, engineering, manufacturing, complete program management and other services to the automotive market. Noble delivers integrated component solutions, technological leadership and product innovation to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier I automotive parts suppliers thereby helping its customers increase their productivity while controlling costs.