For release:  April 9, 2009

NGK names Robert Pepper as VP of Manufacturing

Wixom, MI – NGK Spark Plugs (USA), Inc. has promoted Robert Pepper to the position of vice president of Manufacturing.

Pepper, a 35-year veteran in automotive parts manufacturing, has been with NGK since 2007, and previously served as director of Manufacturing Administration.

In his new role, Pepper is responsible for all North American manufacturing and OEM/OES distribution, with locations in Irvine, Calif., and Sissonville, W.Va. His experience includes roles with Chrysler, Textron Automotive and Webasto Roof Systems, as well as NGK.

Pepper was born in London, England, and spent 23 years in Canada before moving to the U.S. in 1993. He is a graduate of the Canadian Institute of Management. He and his wife Tina reside in South Charleston, W.Va.

NGK Spark Plugs (USA) Inc. is a subsidiary of NGK Spark Plug Co., LTD., “The World Leader” in spark plugs and oxygen sensors.  In addition to US factories in Irvine, California and Sissonville, West Virginia, NGK Spark Plug Co., LTD has nine other production facilities worldwide supplying spark plugs, oxygen sensors and other automotive component products.

 Our Mission:
"We improve life through the environmentally responsible manufacture and precise application of advanced ceramic technologies for all of North America.
Focused on innovation and teamwork, we contribute to local and global economic growth by matching our products to our customers' visions each day, exceeding their expectations in quality, value, service and performance."

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