UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
DATE OF REPORT (Date of earliest event reported): DECEMBER 18, 2003
TOWER AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
DELAWARE
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)
1-12733 41-1746238
(Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
5211 CASCADE ROAD SE - SUITE 300, GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN 49546
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
(616) 802-1600
(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
NOT APPLICABLE
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)
Item 5. Other Events
On December 18, 2003, the Registrant issued a press release announcing
leadership changes. A copy of this press release follows below:
JAMES A. MALLAK NAMED CFO OF TOWER AUTOMOTIVE
NOVI, Michigan -- December 18, 2003 -- Tower Automotive Inc. (NYSE:
TWR) today announced the appointment of James A. Mallak as Chief Financial
Officer of the company.
Most recently Mallak served as Executive Vice President and CFO of
Textron Fastening Systems, a $1.7 billion division of Textron Inc. Textron
Fastening Systems is a leading global provider of engineered fastening systems,
assembly technology and fastener management services, serving automotive,
aerospace, industrial, construction, electronic and other transportation markets
worldwide.
Mallak started his career in 1977 at ITT Automotive, where he held
numerous financial management positions during his 21-year tenure. When he left
ITT in 1998 he was serving as Vice President, Finance for the company's
Electrical Systems unit. He served as Vice President, Finance for the Heavy
Vehicle Systems division of ArvinMeritor before joining Textron in 1999 as
Executive Vice President and CFO of Textron Automotive Company. He was named to
his current position in 2001.
"We are delighted that an individual of Jim's caliber will be joining
the Tower Automotive team," said Kathleen Ligocki, the company's President and
Chief Executive Officer. "Jim has an outstanding background that includes not
only corporate-level finance functions such as tax, audit and treasury, but also
on-the-ground operational experience in cost accounting and manufacturing
control systems. He brings important expertise and leadership skills to our
entire organization."
(more)
A native of Jackson, Mich., Mallak holds a bachelor of science degree
in accounting and an MBA, both from Michigan State University. He is a member of
the advisory board for the accounting and finance department at Oakland
University in Oakland, Mich.
Mallak's appointment is effective January 5. He succeeds Kathy
Johnston, Enterprise Leader for Global Purchasing & Manufacturing Strategy, who
has been serving as interim CFO.
Tower Automotive, Inc., is a global designer and producer of vehicle
structural components and assemblies used by every major automotive original
equipment manufacturer, including BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Fiat, Ford, GM, Honda,
Hyundai/Kia, Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo. Products include body
structures and assemblies, lower vehicle frames and structures, chassis modules
and systems, and suspension components. Additional company information is
available at www.towerautomotive.com.
# # #
CONTACTS:
Media Inquiries Investor Inquiries
Bev Pierce 616-802-1630 Dave Tuit 616-802-1591
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TOWER AUTOMOTIVE 27175 HAGGERTY ROAD NOVI, MI 48377-3626
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
TOWER AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
Date: December 18, 2003 By: /s/ Kathy J. Johnston
-------------------------------------
Name: Kathy J. Johnston
Title: Corporate Officer