Gentex Implements Strategic Management Changes: Suman Promoted to Newly Created Position and Carter Appointed VP-Engineering/Mechanical
5 June 1997
Gentex Implements Strategic Management Changes: Suman Promoted to Newly Created Position and Carter Appointed VP-Engineering/Mechanical
ZEELAND, Mich., June 5 -- Gentex Corporation ,
the Zeeland, Michigan-based manufacturer of automatic-dimming rearview mirrors
and commercial fire protection products, today announced that it has
implemented two strategic management changes that are expected to make a
significant, positive, long-term impact on the Company's manufacturing
processes and engineering areas of operation.
Dan Suman has been promoted to the newly created position of Vice
President - Business Development, and John Carter has been appointed to the
position of Vice President-Engineering/Mechanical, the position formerly held
by Suman.
In his new role, Suman will use his extensive experience in automotive
mirror and glass manufacturing processes to address future growth
opportunities for the Company. His primary role will be to work with the
automotive manufacturing group to improve existing processes, and also to
develop new, low-cost processes. As those changes occur, the Company will
continue to work to identify potential strategic acquisitions that may involve
certain key processes, or the development of new, non-automotive products,
such as electrochromic "smart" windows. Suman joined Gentex in 1985 as Chief
Mechanical Engineer, and has over 26 years' experience in automotive mirror
and glass manufacturing. He has held engineering and manufacturing positions
at several large original equipment suppliers of mirror and glass products to
worldwide automotive manufacturers.
Gentex Chairman Fred Bauer said, "We are excited that Dan Suman has
accepted this new challenge, and also believe that we are especially fortunate
to obtain the extensive engineering skills and automotive experience of John
Carter at this important stage of the Company's development.
"John's depth in managing large numbers of engineering associates, his
long experience in automotive products and extensive history in managing
tooling operations all are expected to substantially benefit Gentex."
Carter has over 25 years of experience in engineering and management, with
24 years dedicated to the automotive industry. Prior to joining Gentex,
Carter was President and Chief Executive Officer of Cedar Springs,
Michigan-based CS Technology Groups, an engineering/tooling company and
manufacturer of trim components for the automotive, furniture and consumer
markets. He held various engineering management positions at auto components
manufacturer Donnelly Corporation in Holland, Michigan, including five years
as Vice President/Engineering -- U.S.A. and International. In addition, he
spent thirteen years at Prince Corporation (division of Johnson Controls, Inc.
in Holland) in a variety of engineering management positions, including
Director of Engineering for the Automotive Products Group.
Gentex Corporation is an international company that provides high-quality
products to the worldwide automotive industry and North American fire
protection market. The Company develops, manufactures and markets proprietary
electro-optic products, including interior and exterior electrochromic,
automatic-dimming Night Vision Safety(TM) (NVS(R)) automotive rearview mirrors
that dim in proportion to the amount of headlight glare from trailing vehicle
headlamps, and an extensive line of fire protection products for commercial
applications. The Company's Automotive Products Group is ISO 9001 registered
and is in compliance with QS-9000, quality designations that soon will be
required to supply production or service parts to automakers.
Gentex was the first company in the world to successfully develop and
produce a commercial electrochromic mirror for the motor vehicle industry.
The Company is the leading supplier of these mirrors to the worldwide
automotive industry. Gentex customers include Audi, Bentley, BMW, Chrysler,
Daewoo, Fiat, Ford, General Motors, Gulf States Toyota, Honda, Hyundai,
Infiniti, Kia Motors, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Porsche,
Rolls Royce and Southeast Toyota Distributors.
Founded in 1974, Gentex operates out of three facilities in Zeeland,
Michigan; an automotive sales and marketing office in Livonia, Michigan; an
automotive sales and engineering subsidiary in Germany; and five regional U.S.
sales offices for the Fire Protection Products Group. The Company is
recognized for its quality products, its application of world class
manufacturing principles and for its commitment to developing and maintaining
a highly skilled workforce.
WEB SITE: http://www.gentex.com
SOURCE Gentex Corporation