Freudenberg-NOK Names Batchik Vice President of Quality

PLYMOUTH, Mich., Aug. 16, 2006 -- Freudenberg-NOK has named John A. Batchik as vice president of quality. The announcement was made by Dr. Theodore G. Duclos, Freudenberg-NOK's vice president of technology and operations.

In this position, Batchik will direct the central quality functions within the organization, establish quality performance standards and develop and improve operating metrics. In addition, he will provide executive representation for key customers and trade organizations, as well as establish and maintain required ISO, QS, TS and other certifications.

"John's prior accomplishments and experience in quality, lean manufacturing and manufacturing engineering for global organizations make him the ideal candidate for the position," Duclos said. "We are pleased that he has joined Freudenberg-NOK and we are confident that he will play an instrumental role in helping us reach our quality goals."

Most recently, Batchik served as vice president of operational excellence for LSG Sky Chefs located in Irving, Texas. In this role, he directed quality, lean manufacturing, product development and facilities and environmental engineering. Prior, he served as the vice president of quality management, where he was responsible for all aspects of product quality, problem solving and vehicle fleet safety.

Earlier, Batchik spent more than 20 years at GM Powertrain in various roles of increasing responsibility. Most recently, he served as divisional manager of competitive manufacturing implementation in Pontiac, Mich. In this position, he directed lean manufacturing resources supporting 21 plants in the United States and Canada.

Prior, he worked at the Romulus, Mich. facility as a quality systems manager, where he directed quality engineering, supplier quality management, customer support, audit and ISO/QS-9000 activities. He also served as superintendent of manufacturing engineering, superintendent of industrial engineering and senior supplier development manager while at GM Powertrain.

Batchik earned a bachelor of science degree in industrial and operations engineering from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and a master of science degree in manufacturing management from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY. In addition, he is a certified QS-9000 Lead Auditor.

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 automotive sealing and noise, vibration and harshness (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 website at www.freudenberg-nok.com.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Batchik is a native of Garden City, Mich. and currently resides in Novi, Mich. For an electronic image of Batchik contact Adriana Ferrari or Tina Sullivan at +1-248-269-1122.