6 September 2006 -- Ceradyne, Inc. received its initial order for boron carbide/aluminum metal matrix composite (MMC) components from Transnuclear for more than $1.5 million. The MMC components are for dry storage of spent nuclear fuel and are scheduled for delivery by the end of second-quarter 2007.

Ceradyne Inc.'s new subsidiary, Ceradyne Canada, in Chicoutimi, Quebec, will manufacture the components from MMC ingots, which will be produced by Alcan Inc. utilizing its MMC casting process. The components will be integrated into Transnuclear's NUHOMS Systems, which are used by U.S. nuclear-powered utilities.

Transnuclear is a wholly owned U.S. division of Areva Group, a French-based energy company for nuclear power generation and electricity transmission and distribution.

Ceradyne develops, manufactures and markets advanced technical ceramic products and components for defense, industrial, automotive/diesel, and commercial applications.