Grant coming from NASA and Mich. institute

MCLATCHY NEWSPAPERS
DETROIT -- NASA and the Michigan Research Institute are to announce this week that they are giving Delphi Corp. nearly 1 million to develop an advanced welding process that promises to be less expensive and more effective at welding dissimilar-shaped materials.
NASA will use what it learns from Delphi's deformation resistance welding procedure in developing spacecraft and terrestrial vehicles.
Deformation resistance welding is unique because it enables welding different materials and shapes for less money than conventional welding methods.
The 950,000 grant underscores Delphi as a tale of two companies: While Delphi's traditional car-parts business, making items such as brake hoses and batteries, loses billions, Delphi also is an innovative manufacturer of highly profitable, highly technological products.
The welding process can be used in manufacturing heavy load-bearing structures, mobile medical products and automobiles because of its ability to handle tube-to-tube and tube-to-sheet welding.
"Delphi will be in a stronger position to provide innovative joining and structural solutions to a broader set of customers," said Jayson Pankin, Delphi's new venture creation specialist.