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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:
Somerset, Ky., July 26, 2005 – UGN, Inc., a leading producer of automotive acoustic, interior trim and thermal management products, announced plans to establish a multi-million dollar manufacturing facility to produce its new automotive carpet systems. The company secured a fourth manufacturing facility, located in Somerset, Ky. as a result of agreements to manufacture several carpet system for North American Japanese transplant automakers. The facility also will expand production of UGN’s RIETER ULTRA LIGHT™ components on future North American Japanese transplant vehicles. UGN has agreed to acquire a 300,000 square-foot facility, owned by Pulaski County, and is expecting to create approximately 300 jobs in the next three years. Expected to be operational by late 2005, UGN will invest approximately $4 million in building improvements, as well as a $10 million initial investment in manufacturing equipment. “Expanding our offerings to include carpet systems to our current product line, paired with the opening of a fourth manufacturing facility is a great success for UGN. The addition of this facility validates the contributions and commitment UGN has made to the automotive industry and our customers,” said Peter Anthony, president and CEO of UGN. “Somerset, Ky. provides an excellent location for our fourth facility and we look forward to increasing the economic development of Somerset, as well as establishing a long and prosperous relationship with the community.” "We are pleased we were able to provide UGN with the community support and a central location to open a manufacturing facility in Somerset, Ky.," said Carrol Estes, executive director, Somerset – Pulaski County Development Foundation. "We look forward to working closely with UGN to ensure successful business growth and development, as well as to create much needed jobs in south-central Kentucky.” UGN has already selected Duane Rushing as the plant manager for the new facility. Rushing has been employed by UGN since 2002 and was most recently the process engineering manager at the company’s Jackson, Tenn. facility. UGN will be hiring qualified individuals for several positions including: human resources and safety, controller, IT, maintenance quality and additional team members. For those interested in working at UGN’s Somerset, Ky. facility, visit the jobs@ugn portion of the Web site at www.ugnusa.com or fax a resume to 773-437-2475. |