OEM PRODUCTS
The content of this site is accessible to any browser. However, this site this site is best viewed with W3C standards compliant browsers.
TOKYO, Japan, March 17, 2003
Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd., the world’s leading supplier of advanced automotive friction materials and components, today announced the appointment of Peter W. Schmitz as chief operating officer, Akebono Europe S.A., effective immediately.
In this position, Schmitz will be responsible for implementing Akebono’s business strategy for Europe and supporting a number of key customers in the market, including Opel, Audi, Volkswagen, Continental Teves, Bosch, TRW, Delphi and Brembo. He also is in charge of developing and maintaining business relationships with other important customers in the region.
A 26-year veteran of the automotive brake industry, Schmitz was most recently president of ITT Galfer in Auburn Hills, Mich. As president, he championed Galfer’s successful entry into the United States and other key markets, leading the development of a number of brake pad friction formulations for customers. Earlier in his career, Schmitz was president and chief executive officer of BBA Friction, Inc. in Dublin, Va., where he successfully managed the company’s entry into the U.S. market. Prior to this, he held a number of sales management and senior engineering positions at other automotive brake suppliers in the United States and Europe.
“Peter’s appointment to this key position further illustrates Akebono’s ongoing commitment to the European market,” said Tsuyoshi “Go” Kashiwagi, chairman and chief executive officer in charge of Akebono’s European operations. “His strong leadership and significant experience at introducing innovative friction materials into new markets will be critical to Akebono achieving long-term success in the region.”
Akebono Europe S.A. was established in 1985. The company operates a research and development technical center for the European region in Gonesse, France, employing 45 people. Akebono also has a customer liaison office in Bad Nauheim, Germany and a disc pad manufacturing facility located in Arras, France, employing approximately 140 people. In 2002, Akebono produced five million pads at the Arras facility.
Akebono Corporation, North America (ACNA) is a world leader in advanced brake and friction material development and production, with a focus on noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) analysis and control. ACNA is a subsidiary of Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd. (Tokyo) which operates technical/R&D centers in Japan, the United States and France, with 30 wholly owned or affiliated manufacturing facilities worldwide. Akebono launched U.S. brake sales and production operations in 1980. Worldwide, Akebono employs a total of 6,800 people; 1,900 in North America. For more information visit www.akebonobrakes.com.
Alan Swiech
Akebono North America
248.489.7406
aswiech@akebono-usa.com
COMPANY PROFILE