The little-known but enormously successful Canadian auto parts maker Linamar Corporation has bought 100 percent of the shares of French aluminum casting firm, Montupet S.A. The deal is said by Linamar to be a move to solidify the company as a global powerhouse in aluminum casting and machining. The success of the Ford-150 pickup is seen by Linamar as a profound once-in-history shift to greater use of aluminum in autobodies. The Guelph-headquartered company paid a rich $105 Canadian for the shares. Linamar has plants in Canada, China, France, Germany, Mexico, the U.S. and India.
