Gentex Announces Promotions

    ZEELAND, Mich., June 4 Gentex Corporation, the Zeeland,
Michigan-based manufacturer of automatic-dimming rearview mirrors and
commercial fire protection products, today announced a series of promotions
designed to strengthen its management team and recognize the contributions of
several long-standing employees.
    Most notably, Gentex promoted Garth Deur to senior vice president.  Deur
has been with Gentex for six months as vice president of business development
and planning.  In his new role as senior vice president, he also assumes
responsibility for Gentex's purchasing and logistics operations, as well as
human resources.
    The Company also promoted Tom Guarr to vice president of chemical
research, Robert Knapp to vice president of electrical engineering, Tom Ludema
to vice president of quality assurance, Bill Ryckbost to vice president of
purchasing and logistics, William Tonar to vice president of advanced
materials and process development, and John Van Haitsma to vice president of
human resources.
    Guarr joined Gentex in 1994 and has served in various chemical research
and development roles.  He is responsible for developing new chemicals and
electrochromic technologies while studying the feasibility of their deployment
in other markets.
    Robert Knapp joined Gentex over 11 years ago and has served as both
manager and director of electrical engineering.  He oversees Gentex's
electrical engineering department and helps spearhead the development of all
of the Company's advanced-feature electrochromic mirrors and electronic
technologies.
    Tom Ludema has been with Gentex for 14 years in various quality management
roles.  He guides all of Gentex's quality initiatives and directs the
Company's worldwide efforts to obtain and maintain registration to all
international quality standards and programs.
    Bill Ryckbost began his career with Gentex in 1989 and has served in
various purchasing and materials logistics roles.  He is responsible for
Gentex's worldwide purchasing operations for the Company's automotive and fire
protection divisions.
    William Tonar joined Gentex nearly 12 years ago.  He has served in various
materials process and equipment development roles.  He is responsible for the
successful launch of new chemical, electrochromic and coating technologies.
    John Van Haitsma has been with Gentex for nearly 25 years in various human
resources and accounting roles.  He oversees all the Company's human resources
initiatives, including all hiring, training and benefits programs.
    Gentex Corporation is an international company that
provides high-quality products to the worldwide automotive industry and North
American fire protection market.  The Company develops, manufactures and
markets proprietary electro-optic products, including interior and exterior
electrochromic, automatic-dimming Night Vision Safety(TM) (NVS(R)) automotive
rearview mirrors that dim in proportion to the amount of headlight glare from
trailing vehicle headlamps, and an extensive line of fire protection products
for commercial applications.
    Gentex was the first company in the world to successfully develop and
produce a commercial electrochromic mirror for the motor vehicle industry.
The Company is the leading supplier of these mirrors to the worldwide
automotive industry.  Gentex OEM customers include Audi, Bentley, BMW, Daewoo,
DaimlerChrysler, Fiat, Ford, General Motors, Hyundai, Infiniti, Kia Motors,
Lexus, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Porsche, Rover, Rolls Royce and Toyota.
Gentex aftermarket/distributor customers include Gulf States Toyota
Distributors, Mito Corporation, Southeast Toyota Distributors, Subaru
Distributors NE and Toyota Motor Sales USA.
    Founded in 1974, Gentex operates out of four facilities in Zeeland,
Michigan; an automotive sales office in Livonia, Michigan; automotive sales
and engineering subsidiaries in Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom and France;
and four regional U.S. sales offices for the Fire Protection Products Group.
The Company is recognized for its quality products, its application of world
class manufacturing principles, for its commitment to developing and
maintaining a highly skilled workforce, and for encouraging employee ownership
of the Company's stock.

                    MAKE YOUR OPINION COUNT -  Click Here
               http://tbutton.prnewswire.com/prn/11690X23312421