Freudenberg-NOK Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Supplier Launches Program to Give Back in Tough Times

PLYMOUTH, Mich., June 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Freudenberg-NOK, the leading producer of advanced sealing and vibration control products, has reached a significant milestone as the company celebrates its 20th anniversary. To commemorate the event, employees throughout its American and international locations are pulling together in these tough economic times to give back to their local communities.

On July 1, 1989, the company's founders - Freudenberg in Germany and NOK in Japan - decided to pool their resources and establish an American partnership. To this day, Freudenberg-NOK General Partnership has retained the rich heritage of its founding partners to deliver product excellence in seals and vibration control technology. Since opening its doors, Freudenberg-NOK has been growing its business in automotive and other markets.

"If you were employed in the company in 1989, it may have been hard to imagine that this automotive supplier would grow into such diverse markets," said Dr. Mohsen Sohi, president and CEO, Freudenberg-NOK General Partnership. "Today, the company still supplies to the automotive sector, but we've diversified into medical, oil and gas, aerospace, semiconductor and several other markets. We could not have reached this solid foothold without the hard work and dedication of our outstanding workforce in our technology centers, plants and corporate offices."

The company attributes its success to a laser-sharp focus on its core competencies of sealing, vibration control and elastomeric technologies; and to its relentless pursuit of perfection through its proprietary Growtth(R) program.

"While we are proud of 20 years of success, we realize we could not have accomplished this without the dedication of our employees and the support of the communities where we do business," said Dr. Sohi. "Freudenberg-NOK takes its commitment to social responsibility very seriously."

So the company has launched the "Your Community Partner" program in each of its locations, as a way for employees to thank their local communities by providing meaningful assistance. During these difficult economic times, many non-profit and community organizations are struggling and need volunteers and financial support more than ever.

"We are fortunate to be a financially sound supplier with a very diverse business portfolio," said Dr. Sohi. "So instead of spending on celebration events, we wanted to give back to our communities in a variety of ways from cleaning the beaches in Malaysia - to helping in homeless shelters in California - to raising funds for the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Canada."

In Michigan, Freudenberg-NOK employees have launched a major food and baby supply drive, and will join Dr. Sohi to volunteer at one of the following locations:

• SOS Community Services In Ypsilanti for the homeless
• The Community Service Center in Plymouth for the developmentally disabled
• Plymouth Township Park for environmental beautification projects

About Freudenberg-NOK

Founded in 1989, Freudenberg-NOK General Partnership based in Plymouth, Michigan, is known as the world-leading manufacturer of precision-manufactured products for a variety of markets, including automotive, aerospace, appliance, diesel engine, agriculture and construction, marine, healthcare and medical, off-highway equipment, oil and gas, recreational vehicles and semiconductor markets.

Today, Freudenberg-NOK is recognized by its global customers as a valued development partner and technology specialist. A leader in innovative business approaches, the company was an early adopter of Six Sigma quality practices. Freudenberg-NOK has earned the reputation as the benchmark in North American lean practices.

Freudenberg-NOK General Partnership is the Americas joint venture between Freudenberg and Company in Germany and NOK Corporation in Japan. Together, Freudenberg and NOK Group Companies make up the world's largest producer of elastomeric seals and custom molded products. Freudenberg-NOK General Partnership has annual revenues approaching $1 billion.

For additional information, please visit us at www.freudenberg-nok.com.

SOURCE Freudenberg-NOK

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