UGN, Inc. Names Papke Vice President of Sales and Marketing

CHICAGO, Dec. 11, 2006 -- UGN, Inc., a supplier of acoustic, interior trim and thermal management products to the automotive industry, has hired Paul Papke as vice president of sales and marketing. In his position, Papke will be responsible for directing and coordinating UGN's sales and marketing objectives, and long-term strategic initiatives focusing on industry trends and customers' needs.

Prior to joining UGN, Papke was global account executive for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. In this role, he was responsible for account management, including development and implementation of account strategy, customer service, and global coordination and support. In addition, throughout his career, Papke has held numerous positions within Goodyear and other automotive suppliers including Dunlop Tire Company, and Firestone Tire and Rubber Company.

"Paul brings years of valuable sales experience to UGN, along with comprehensive industry knowledge and proven achievements in management that will help us continue our intense focus on customer satisfaction," said Peter Anthony, president and CEO, UGN. "We are excited to add such a talented individual to our team."

Papke earned a bachelor of science from the University of Wisconsin and a master of business administration from University of Akron. Papke also is a member of the Mechanical Engineering Industrial Board at the University of Wisconsin.

Headquartered in Chicago, UGN was incorporated in 1986 as a joint venture between Rieter Automotive Systems and Nihon Tokushu Toryo (Nittoku). Rieter's innovative leadership and theoretical acoustics combined with advanced manufacturing processes and quality system design by Nittoku have established UGN as a preferred supplier of acoustic, interior trim and thermal management products to the Japanese transplant automotive industry in North America. UGN is one of Automotive News' top 150 Suppliers to North America. For more information on UGN, visit the company's web site at http://www.ugnusa.com/ .