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Advanced Accessory Systems Opens Facility in Eastern Europe

26 July 1999

Advanced Accessory Systems Opens Facility in Eastern Europe

    STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich., July 23 -- Advanced Accessory
Systems announced Thursday that its SportRack Automotive subsidiary has
dedicated its first plant in Eastern Europe with the opening of its new
manufacturing facility in Bakov, Czech Republic.
    The new facility will employ citizens of the Czech Republic and will grow
to a planned first year production of some 70,000 roof racks for Skoda/VW for
their new Octavia model.
    "This new facility gives us a solid foothold in Eastern Europe and the
ability to meet the ever increasing customer demands for our exterior
accessory systems," said Terence C. Seikel, president and CEO of AAS.  "We'll
be able to build on our global leadership position in the roof rack and towing
systems business and bring the latest technology to new vehicle owners in
Europe."
    Seikel underscored the cooperation AAS has received from local and
regional governmental officials.  "These operations are the state of the art
for us and we've enjoyed great support and encouragement from everyone
involved in this project and we look forward to a bright future of growth and
further development."
    Seikel said two AAS executives attended the dedication ceremonies held
Thursday in Bakov.  On hand were Richard Borghi, president and COO of AAS's
SportRack Automotive business, and Paul Biegansky, vice president of Business
Development, Europe.
    Formed in l995, AAS has become the world leader in roof racks, towing
systems and automotive exteriors systems.  Headquartered in Michigan, the
company employs nearly 2,200 people in 23 countries and has annual sales of
approximately $300 million.