HILITE INTERNATIONAL CONVERTS TO ALTAIR OPTISTRUCT/ANALYSIS.

Altair Engineering, Inc., Troy. Mich., a global provider of technology and services that strengthen client innovation and decision-making, today announced that the Northern Stamping Division of Hilite International has converted to OptiStruct/Analysis, Altair's next- generation finite-element (FE) solver technology for linear statics and dynamics applications. Northern Stamping is a supplier of precision, structural, stamped and welded assemblies to the automotive industry.

"We initially started using OptiStruct/Analysis for one-step forming simulations," said Jeff Rudd, Northern Stamping design engineer. "We found, however, that having access to the full suite of HyperWorks software provides a cost-effective, end-to-end solution that will enhance Northern Stamping's overall product development process."

Altair HyperWorks is an integrated CAE framework containing best-in-class solutions for the complete virtual product development process. HyperWorks not only contains powerful FE and multi-body simulation solutions. It also delivers an open, programmable platform that is easy to integrate into existing processes. From modeling and assembly, to visualization and reporting, to virtual manufacturing and robustness assessment, HyperWorks' powerful interface system to all major CAD and CAE packages is the foundation for a truly integrated simulation-driven design process. It can also help bring highly engineered products to market faster.

"We are delighted to have Northern Stamping join our HyperWorks community of users. We're confident that Altair HyperWorks will provide tremendous value to them in leveraging simulation to spur product exploration and innovation, while delivering efficiencies to Northern Stamping's overall product development process," said Jeffrey M. Brennan, vice president of engineering software at Altair. "We are also pleased that Northern Stamping recognizes the benefits of HyperWorks as both a structural analysis tool for forming simulation as well as a complete solution for product innovation."

About Hilite International

Hilite International is a global, innovative, engineering-focused supplier of series-production automotive components. Its focus is on components and systems for powertrain and engine applications. The Northern Stamping Division's primary focus is on the manufacture of medium to large stamped and welded assemblies to very close tolerances.

About Altair Engineering

Altair Engineering, Inc. strengthens client innovation and decision-making through technology that optimizes the analysis, management and visualization of business and engineering information. Privately held with more than 1,200 employees, Altair has offices throughout North America, South America, Europe and Asia/Pacific. With a 20-year-plus track record for product design, advanced engineering software and grid computing technologies, Altair consistently delivers a competitive advantage to customers in a broad range of industries.

For more information, visit www.altair.com or call 248/614-2400, ext. 464.