Freudenberg-NOK Account Manager Honored with Platinum Award at Marketing & Sales Executives of Detroit Gala

PLYMOUTH, Mich., May 20, 2004 -- In recognition of his accomplishments and outstanding performance in sales and marketing, Gary Wang, account manager for the Japanese transplant division of Freudenberg-NOK, was awarded one of three platinum awards at the 12th Annual Marketing & Sales Executives of Detroit (MSED) Gala, held last night at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn.

"We are delighted that Gary was selected to receive this prestigious award ... he is a perfect example of the type of person our customers want to work with," said Richard Allen, chief executive officer of Manufactured Products for Freudenberg-NOK. "Gary's customer service philosophy of treating all clients as he would like to be treated has helped him earn a great deal of respect from those he works with. We are proud to have him as part of the Freudenberg-NOK family."

According to MSED, the three winners of this prestigious award were selected based on their proven track record of sustained and increased sales success, market development, customer focus, teamwork, community involvement and professional network affiliations.

At Freudenberg-NOK, Wang has been successful in developing new business opportunities, implementing cost reduction initiatives, identifying customer product plans, and promoting sealing solution packages and capabilities to customers. He is fluent in five languages -- English, Chinese, Mandarin, Taiwanese and Japanese -- which is a significant asset in today's global economy.

Outside of work, Wang has volunteered with the Novi School District for more than 10 years, helping Japanese students and families who have moved into the community assimilate to their new environment. He has coordinated school trips, served as an interpreter and provided guidance in the English language. The Platinum Awards are co-sponsored by Crain's Detroit Business magazine.

Founded in 1989, Freudenberg-NOK General Partnership is a joint venture between Freudenberg & Co. of Germany and NOK Corp. of Japan.

Freudenberg-NOK is a leader in both automotive sealing and NVH products and is a supplier to all automakers producing in North America as well as all major tier one chassis and drivetrain suppliers. The company's headquarters and technical center in Plymouth, Mich. houses the most extensive supplier- operated sealing and noise and vibration testing facility in North America.

Freudenberg-NOK offers its automotive customers globally integrated products, including sealing packages for transmissions, engines, brakes, axles and steering, NVH components and packages, and all rubber, plastic and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) components for suspension, electrical and fuel systems.

The company also offers an extensive portfolio of special precision seals for the aerospace, appliance, business machine, fluid power, marine, medical, off-highway equipment and recreational vehicle markets. For more information, visit the Freudenberg-NOK web site at www.freudenberg-nok.com .