Federal-Mogul's New European Structure Strengthens Customer Focus
4 June 1999
Federal-Mogul's New European Structure Strengthens Customer Focus
SOUTHFIELD, Mich., June 4 -- Gordon A. Ulsh, president and
chief operating officer, Federal-Mogul Corporation , announces a
new operating structure for Europe appointing Wilhelm A. Schmelzer, 58,
executive vice president, Europe, effective immediately. Schmelzer will be
responsible for all manufacturing and distribution operations, and all sales
and marketing activities in Europe and Africa for both original equipment and
aftermarket customer channels. While these units benefit from strategy,
engineering and technology development lead by the Southfield, Michigan based
Powertrain Systems, Sealing Systems and General Products operating executives,
the Europe-based functions report directly to Schmelzer.
"Through acquisitions in the past 15-months, we have developed an
impressive product portfolio for our customers in Europe. Uniting these
operations under the proven leadership of Willi strengthens our commercial
advantage," said Ulsh. "The power to partner with our customers grows
significantly as we unite our offerings into one value-added presence."
In conjunction with this appointment, Ulsh announces the expansion of Rick
Streicher's role with Sealing Systems. Streicher, 52, is appointed vice
president, Sealing Systems, replacing Schmelzer as the leader of Sealing
Systems. He gains responsibility for the group's strategic planning, global
engineering and manufacturing processes. He will continue to be responsible
for the gasket and seal operations in North America and Asia, adding South
America.
"Rick is an impressive leader who is committed to achieve operational
excellence and zero defects," said Ulsh. "I'm very proud to have our Sealing
Systems business under Rick's leadership."
This move is accompanied by a realignment of product lines operating under
Federal-Mogul's three operating groups. Camshafts and sintered products, once
part of General Products, now are aligned under Powertrain Systems. Wiper
products, once part of Sealing Systems, now are aligned under General
Products.
"The realignment in Powertrain Systems supports the growth of our cylinder
head assembly as a module, along with our power cylinder system, making it
easier for customer contact and development with us," said Ulsh. "In General
Products, the combination of wipers together with our lighting products allow
us a combined visibility product offering that offers added value to our
customers."
Wilhelm A. Schmelzer, Executive Vice President - Europe
Wilhelm A. Schmelzer has been appointed executive vice president - Europe,
reporting to Ulsh. Prior to this promotion, Schmelzer, was executive vice
president - Sealing Systems, since February 1998, responsible for global
operations for gaskets and seals for both original equipment and aftermarket
customers.
He served as vice president and group executive, responsible for Federal-
Mogul's engine and transmission products worldwide since 1995. In addition,
in 1997 he assumed responsibility for Federal-Mogul's aftermarket operations
in Europe. He has also served in several key international and domestic
accounting and finance positions. In January 1992, he was named vice
president and group executive, engine and transmission products- Europe.
Schmelzer joined the company in 1969 as an accounting trainee.
Schmelzer earned a degree in accounting and finance as a "Diplom
Betribswirt" from the Fachhochschule in Cologne, Germany. He also attended
Albion College in Albion, Michigan, as a fellow of the Carl Duisberg
Foundation. While attending Albion, he participated in an international work-
study program, majoring in economics.
Rick Streicher, Vice President - Sealing Systems
Rick Streicher has been appointed vice president, Sealing Systems,
reporting to Ulsh. Prior to this expanded role, Streicher was vice president,
Sealing Systems - North America, since March 1998, responsible for the gasket
and seal operations in North America for original equipment and aftermarket
customers, in addition to business activities in Japan.
Prior to this appointment, he was executive vice president, technology and
operations at Fel-pro. Streicher joined Fel-Pro in 1992 as vice president of
operations and since then has assumed additional responsibilities for
distribution, development and applications engineering. Before joining Fel-
Pro, Streicher held senior management positions in manufacturing operations at
various companies including ITT and Consolidated Aluminum (U.S. subsidiary of
Swiss Aluminum).
Streicher earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the
University of Chicago and a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial
engineering from the University of Illinois.
Powertrain Systems
The product portfolio of Powertrain Systems includes: power cylinder
systems (rod bearings, connecting rods, pistons, piston pins, piston rings,
and piston liners), camshafts, sintered products (valve seats and valve
guides), valves, spark plugs, ignition wires and cables, ignition coils and
ceramic insulators.
Sealing Systems
The product portfolio of Sealing Systems includes: total engine sealing,
total transmission sealing, total axle sealing, cylinder head gaskets,
ancillary gaskets, dynamic seals, bonded pistons, heat shields and noise and
vibration sealing systems.
General Products
The product portfolio of General Products includes: brake and friction
products, chassis products, driveline products, lighting products, wiper
products, fuel system components, and systems protection products.
Headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, Federal-Mogul is an automotive
parts manufacturer providing innovative solutions and systems to global
customers in the automotive, light truck, heavy-duty, railroad, farm and
industrial markets. The company was founded in 1899. Visit the company's web
site at http://www.federal-mogul.com for more information. Federal-Mogul's
press releases are available by fax through Company News On-Call, call
800-758-5804, ext. 306225.