Mexican conglomerate Alfa’s unit Nemak to buy J L French Automotive

Mexican conglomerate Alfa yesterday said that its high-tech aluminum auto parts unit Nemak has agreed to acquire US engine component maker J L French Automotive Castings Inc, aluminum automotive components,

Alfa did not disclose the financial terms of the deal, but said that J L French had revenues of $500 million in 2011.

Founded in 1968, Sheboygan, Wisconsin-based J L French designs, develops, simulates, tests, prototypes, produces, and supplies die cast aluminum components and assemblies in North America and Europe.

It offers oil pans, engine front covers, transmission cases, bedplates, cam caps, brackets, and engine blocks for lightweight, cradle to grave power train, structural, and chassis applications.

J L French had filed for bankruptcy in 2009 due to the global financial crisis that hit US automakers the most. It had cut production and had drastically reduced headcount.

J L French came back stronger after it emerged from bankruptcy and spent $18 million in upgrading its Sheboygan plant and went on a hiring spree in order to meet with the demand from Ford Motors.