HIROTEC AMERICA Announces New Chief Executive Officer
Auburn Hills, MI., April 21, 2008 – HIROTEC AMERICA, Inc. (HAI), an automotive supplier specializing in closure systems, announced that Katsutoshi (Katsu) Uno was selected to become the next Chief Executive Officer effective April 17, 2008. In this position, he will oversee the day-to-day management of HAI. Katsu Uno, previously HAI’s Executive Vice President succeeds Norifumi (Nori) Uno who will be returning to Japan as the Executive Vice President for HIROTEC Corporation and YUMEX Corporation.
“Katsu has been instrumental in combining the Japanese and American best practice manufacturing techniques that have contributed to the growth and success of HIROTEC AMERICA. This has allowed us to continue to cultivate ground-breaking lean manufacturing applications, while significantly improving QDC (quality, delivery, cost),” said Nori Uno.
Katsu Uno received a BSE from Temple University and then returned to Japan to continue his professional development at HIROTEC Corporation. He held various positions within the organization, ranging from involvement in Closure BIW Production, International Business, and tooling design. In 2002 he transferred to HIROTEC AMERICA where he became a Project Manager. He was soon promoted to Department Manager, and then rose to Director, Executive Vice President, as well as became a Director for HIROTEC MEXICO.
“Our dedication to provide our customers industry-leading Body-In-White manufacturing solutions, HIROTEC AMERICA has learned to incorporate the Japanese art of Kaizen (continuous improvement) and Kaikaku (revolutionary change) into every aspect of our business. This has allowed us to contribute to the success of our customers by providing innovative ways to execute an improved business plan. This approach has also allowed HIROTEC AMERICA the unique ability sustain growth in a challenging market,” said Katsu Uno.
Additionally, Shoji Kimoto has been elevated to the role of Director, Chief Engineer and will now be overseeing HAI’s hemming group.
About HIROTEC AMERICA, Inc.
HIROTEC AMERICA, Inc. is part of the HIROTEC Corporation that has sales in excess of
1.4 billion dollars and 20 locations worldwide. For over 20 years, HIROTEC AMERICA has been
providing innovative and highly flexible closure manufacturing solutions to automotive customers
around the world. For more information, please visit: www.hirotecamerica.com.
3000 High Meadow Circle
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Contact: Sarah Appolson
Phone: (248) 836-5155
sarahappolson@hirotecamerica.com
