Gill Industries Names Richard Perreault New President & COO

Automotive and Manufacturing Veteran Tapped to Lead Diversified Manufacturer

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Jan. 18 -- Gill Industries, Inc., a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based advanced engineering and manufacturing company, today named Richard Perreault as its new president and Chief Operating Officer.

Perreault joins Gill having most recently served as Chief Financial Officer for Troy, Mich.-based Cignet, a supplier of electronics and exterior trim to the automotive industry.

In addition, Perreault spent three years as CEO of Metzeler Automotive Profile Systems in France, and four years as president and CEO of Southfield, Mich.-based Lear Donnelly Overhead Systems LLC, a subsidiary of seating and interior trim systems manufacturer Lear Corporation. During his four years with Lear Donnelly Overhead Systems, he increased sales from $125 to $225 million and oversaw the expansion of business into the European, Asian and South American markets.

Perreault has also served in general manager positions overseeing business development and productivity at Livonia, Mich.-based Magna International.

"Perreault's wealth of experience in new product development and international sales will be an invaluable asset as we continue to provide product solutions to clients around the world," said Mary Gill, Director of Corporate Relations for Gill Industries.

Perreault earned a bachelor's degree in industrial administration - finance from Kettering University in Flint, Mich. He also earned a master's in engineering from the University of Michigan.

Gill Industries was founded in 1964 by John Gill and his brother-in-law Gerald Williams. It began as a small automotive tool and die company which later grew into a $100 million global engineering, manufacturing, and tooling company for the automotive, furniture and utility vehicle industries.

"I'm very pleased to have the opportunity to join Gill Industries, a recognized leader in its industry and a true star among Michigan-based manufacturers," Perreault said. "The company is well-known for its commitment to quality and innovation, and I'm looking forward to building on that rich heritage."

Based in Grand Rapids, Mich., Gill Industries is a full-service, global supplier of engineered, mechanical stamped and welded assemblies. Privately owned, the company has 600 employees with production facilities in Michigan and Georgia.

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