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Methode Electronics, Inc. Announces New Executive Vice President

13 May 1999

Methode Electronics, Inc. Announces New Executive Vice President and New Initiatives for Automotive Electronic Controls Division

    CHICAGO, May 13 -- The Automotive Electronic Controls unit of
Methode Electronics today announced the appointment of a new
Executive Vice President and the development of new initiatives to further
strengthen the division's presence in the automotive market.
    Gregory J. Gartner has joined Methode AEC business unit, as senior
executive officer as of April 5.  Gartner comes to Methode with nearly two
decades of experience, primarily at the Division Manager level with General
Electric Co.  He has a successful track record helping to realign
manufacturing operations for increased productivity, new markets and new
alliances.
    One of Gartner's first initiatives at Methode's AEC business unit will be
the development of a comprehensive plan for strengthening the unit to enhance
its ability to meet customers' needs.  According to Gartner, "Our automotive
OEM customers are operating in such competitive environments that they require
their suppliers to provide better products, more services and even lower
prices.  We're going to focus on enhancing our manufacturing efficiency,
quality, and competitive pricing to keep pace and continue to lead in this
environment."
    Methode AEC unit has served automotive markets for almost 30 years and is
a key supplier to over 15 domestic and foreign automotive brands.  The Company
is known for providing controls and switching solutions with an end-user
"tactile feel" that sets the standard for the industry.  Methode Automotive
Electronic Controls unit has been the major domestic manufacturer of
clockspring transducers for the automotive industry for the last ten years.
    The "clockspring device" is Methode's flag ship automotive product that
delivers the signal from crash sensors to the airbag deployment exploder.
This product, together with the Company's expertise in cruise controls,
windshield wiper switches, headlight switches, ignition controls and other
ergonomic and smart switches are leading the Company into multi-function
steering column integration of controls for safety features of automobiles in
the 2000 to 2010 time period.
    Methode AEC is a fully integrated operation delivering an entire range of
services and support including basic engineering, modeling, prototyping and
high-volume production.  Methode Automotive Electronic Controls unit is
headquartered in Carthage, Illinois, with operations in Detroit, Scotland,
Malta and the U.K.
    Methode Electronics, Inc., with 4,000 employees in 20 plants worldwide,
manufactures component devices for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) of
information processing and networking equipment, voice and data communications
systems, consumer electronics, automobiles, aerospace vehicles and industrial
equipment.  Products employ electrical, electronics and optical technologies
as sensors, interconnections and controls.  For further information, visit the
Company's Web site at http://www.methode.com.