Maker of Titleist Golf Equipment Names PPG Preferred Supplier

PITTSBURGH--Nov. 1, 20057, 2005--Acushnet Company, maker of Titleist golf equipment, has named PPG Industries a preferred supplier.

PPG provides a urethane elastomer cover for ProV1 and ProV1x golf balls from Titleist equipment. Facilities in Oak Creek, Wis., and Springdale, Pa., each manufacture one component of the two-part cover material.

The urethane cover enhances the ball's performance, according to Mike Kramer, senior vice president of golf ball operations at Acushnet. It meets the company's needs for a soft, thin cover that is durable and abrasion-resistant.

"PPG has provided a consistently high-quality product while maintaining an exceptional level of service," Kramer said. "The company is a key partner in our organization's ongoing efforts to produce top-performing golf equipment."

Acushnet named six companies preferred suppliers. The preferred rating is based on evaluations of criteria in areas of material quality and supply chain management.

"Acushnet has high expectations of its suppliers," said Rich Alexander, senior vice president, coatings. "This recognition indicates that PPG's product has met demanding standards as a component of one of Acushnet's premier products."

Kramer presented Preston Jones, PPG director of sales, strategic businesses, with a recognition plaque at the PPG Springdale manufacturing facility.

"We are proud to receive such acclaim from Acushnet," Jones said. "PPG's status as a preferred supplier speaks to the professionalism of the teams in Oak Creek and Springdale and their commitment to quality."

Pittsburgh-based PPG is a global supplier of coatings, glass, fiber glass and chemicals, with 108 manufacturing facilities and equity affiliates in more than 20 countries. Sales were US$9.5 billion in 2004.

Titleist, ProV1 and ProV1x are trademarks of Acushnet Company, an operating company of Fortune Brands, Inc.