UGN Opens Fourth Manufacturing Facility

UGN has opened a multi-million dollar production facility in Somerset, Ky. At the new facility, the company will produce UGNs first RIETER ULTRA LIGHT acoustic carpet system. Production of the new carpet system is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2006 for 2007 production year vehicles and beyond.

The RIETER ULTRA LIGHT carpet system is the first of its kind to be sold to the Japanese automakers in North America. The carpet system offers up to a 50 percent weight reduction when compared to traditional carpet systems, while further reducing interior vehicle noise. Additionally, it has excellent fit and finish qualities, and is competitively priced.

‘The opening of UGNs Somerset facility, as well as the new acoustic carpet system, signifies our continued ongoing growth of the company,’ said Peter Anthony, president and CEO of UGN.

In addition to the new carpet system, UGN also is producing a variety of sound treatment products including engine side parts, carpet underlayment and seat upper backs at the Somerset, Ky. facility. Production of the products began in November 2005. As the company continues to expand, UGN will produce additional products at the Somerset, Ky. facility.

UGNs new 300,000 square foot manufacturing facility has created approximately 90 new jobs in Somerset, Ky. When the new facility is in full operation, UGN expects to employ 300 team members, making the company the second largest employer in Somerset, Ky.

‘UGN is proud to be the newest member of the Somerset community. We are looking forward to building a strong relationship with the community,’ said Anthony.

To show its support for the community, UGN has partnered with Toyotas Community Connection program make to a $5,000 donation to the Hospice of Lake Cumberland. Community Connection is a philanthropy program designed to support non-profit organizations in cities where Toyota and its suppliers do business.

UGN was incorporated in 1986 as a joint venture between Rieter Automotive Systems and Nihon Tokushu Toryo (Nittoku). Rieters innovative leadership and theoretical acoustics combined with advanced manufacturing processes and quality system design by Nittoku have established UGN as a preferred supplier of acoustic, interior trim and thermal management products to the Japanese transplant automotive industry in North America. For more information on UGN, visit the companys web site at www.ugnusa.com.