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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------

                                    FORM 8-K

                                 Current Report

                Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
                              Exchange Act of 1934

                                December 31, 2003
                Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)


                              METALDYNE CORPORATION
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

     Delaware                           001-12068                38-2513957
 (State or other jurisdiction of  (Commission file number)    (I.R.S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)                              Identification No.)

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Item 5.  Other Events and Regulation FD Disclosure.

     On January 2, 2004, Metaldyne Corporation issued a press release, which is
filed as an Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 8-K, announcing the completion of its
purchase of New Castle Machining and Forge.

Item 7.  Financial Statements and Exhibits.

     (c) Exhibits. The following exhibit is filed herewith:

          99.1. Press Release announcing the completion of its purchase of New
               Castle Machining and Forge.






                                   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.

Dated:  January 2, 2004


                                   METALDYNE CORPORATION


                                   By:    /s/ Jeffrey M. Stafeil
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Name: Jeffrey M. Stafeil
                                          Title: Executive Vice President
                                                 and Chief Financial Officer




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                                                       Media Contacts:
                                                       Myra Moreland
                                                       734-207-6762
                                                       Tina Doher
                                                       734-207-6713


                         Metaldyne Completes Purchase of
                         New Castle Machining and Forge


     Plymouth, Michigan (January 2, 2004) - Metaldyne Corporation and
DaimlerChrysler Corporation have completed a transaction that transfers full
ownership of New Castle Machining and Forge to Metaldyne. Since January 2003,
the New Castle operation has been managed as a joint venture between Metaldyne
and DaimlerChrysler.

     "This represents Metaldyne's final step in the acquisition of New Castle
Machining and Forge," said Thomas A. Amato, Metaldyne's vice president of
corporate development. "Finalizing this transaction was also a function of
unwavering commitment from many employees at DaimlerChrysler, Metaldyne and the
UAW. Working together we achieved an unprecedented customer-supplier-employee
relationship."

     The New Castle Machining and Forge plant manufactures suspension and
powertrain components for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles.



     "New Castle's products are core products to Metaldyne," said Tim Leuliette,
Metaldyne's chairman, president and CEO. "We are now launching initiatives to
bring new business to this facility and expand the customer base beyond
DaimlerChrysler. For the immediate future, we are focused on transitioning this
operation into the Metaldyne family. The year-long joint venture paved the way
for a smooth transition."

About Metaldyne

     Metaldyne is a leading global designer and supplier of metal-based
components, assemblies and modules for the automotive industry. Through its
Chassis, Driveline and Transmission, and Engine groups, the company supplies a
wide range of products for powertrain and chassis applications for engines,
transmission/transfer cases, wheel-ends and suspension systems, axles and
driveline systems. Metaldyne is also a globally recognized leader in noise and
vibration control products.

     Headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan, Metaldyne's annual revenues are
approximately $2 billion. The company employs more than 8000 employees at more
than 50 facilities in 11 countries.



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