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Australian Joins U.S.A. Switch as International Account Manager

1 April 1999

Australian Joins U.S.A. Switch as International Account Manager

    WALLED LAKE, Mich., April 1 -- Australian automotive
aftermarket executive Wayne Blackman, headquartered in Melbourne, has joined
U.S.A. Switch, Inc. as International Account Manager.  The announcement was
made by Daniel A. Leeber, Sales and Marketing Manager of U.S.A. Switch.
    U.S.A. Switch, Inc. is a prime manufacturer and distributor of automotive
electrical and mechanical sensors, relays and switching devices, selling to
the independent aftermarket via co-manufacturers, distributors and exporters.
Founded in 1992, U.S.A. Switch, Inc. carries more than 2,500 different
products.
    Blackman, a qualified auto electrician, started his aftermarket career
with Ingrams as Sales Representative.  Through several promotions, he spent
two years running Ingrams New Zealand before returning to Australia to take a
position with Hella as Sales Manager.  After a four-year stint with Hella, he
became Account Service Director with The Dare Group, being involved in
advertising, public relations and strategic marketing for companies such as
Bosch, Pedders, Rover Australia and Honda.  He returned to the aftermarket
when he joined Matson Automotive Industries last year as National Sales and
Marketing Manager and as a Director of Zed Marketing, Melbourne and Sydney.
    "U.S.A. Switch is experiencing an incredible degree of growth, nationally
and internationally," said Thomas P. Petrillo, President of U.S.A. Switch,
Inc., Matson-U.S.A., and Bear Manufacturing Company.  "We feel very fortunate
to add Wayne to our team and expect his automotive OEM and aftermarket sales
and marketing experience to greatly enhance our international opportunities."
    The U.S.A. Switch, Inc. headquarters are at 4153 Pioneer Drive, Walled
Lake, Michigan 48390.  The company's telephone number is 248-366-8400.