LOUISVILLE -- A federal bankruptcy judge turned down Sypris Solutions' request for quick decision by its top customer on whether to continue its supply contracts with Sypris.

Dana Corp., which makes auto parts, is said to be Sypris' largest customer, having purchased more than $120 million in parts in 2005.

The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March, however, and Sypris was seeking for the court to order Dana to render a decision on whether to keep the supply contracts by Oct. 3.

According to the ruling, by contract Sypris can prevent Dana from buying those parts from another manufacturer through 2014.