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Simpson Industries Names Thomas President, Chief Operating Officer

1 March 1999

Simpson Industries Names Thomas President, Chief Operating Officer

    PLYMOUTH, Mich., March 1 -- George Thomas has been named
president and chief operating officer for Simpson Industries, Inc.
, a leading worldwide supplier of torsional crankshaft dampers,
wheel-end modules and engine modules to the automotive and heavy truck
industries.  In the newly created position, Thomas will be responsible for
overseeing all facets of the company's operations.
    "George's knowledge and operational leadership skills will be vital to
managing our expected internal growth of more than 20 percent by year 2001,"
said Roy Parrott, chairman and CEO of Simpson Industries.  "With his extensive
industry experience, we look to him to continue to create and solidify
Simpson's strategic relationships around the world."
    Thomas joins Simpson Industries with more than 25 years of automotive
supplier experience.  Previously, he served as vice president and general
manager, global product line, at TRW Passenger Steering Systems.  In this
position he managed the sales, engineering, finance and manufacturing of 24
facilities and joint ventures.
    Thomas began his career in 1972 and has held several management positions
with TRW, including vice president and general manager of Commercial Steering,
general manager of Southern Operations, and director of finance and controller
of the Steering and Suspension group.  Thomas is a member of the Society of
Automotive Engineers and the John Purdue Club.  Thomas received a bachelor of
science degree in industrial management and a masters in business
administration from Purdue University.  He also has continued his education
through management seminars at both Harvard and Duke Universities.
    Simpson Industries supplies powertrain and chassis products to original
equipment manufacturers in the worldwide automotive and medium and heavy-duty
diesel engine markets.  Simpson's engineered products are focused in three
specific drivetrain and chassis areas:  noise, vibration and harshness, wheel-
end and suspension, and modular engine assemblies.  Simpson's 16 international
facilities and test centers are located in North America, South America,
Europe and Asia.