Premium Guard Inc. and NAPA Partner to Sponsor Classroom for Students Pursuing Automotive Technician Careers

The sponsorship supports students at Universal Technical Institute's Bloomfield, New Jersey campus to prepare next generation of skilled automotive technicians for successful careers

MEMPHIS, Tenn., April 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Automotive manufacturer and supplier Premium Guard Inc. (PGI), in collaboration with NAPA, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 2 to commemorate the completion of a new NAPA Gold Filters branded classroom at the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) campus in Bloomfield, NJ.

The new classroom is part of PGI's sponsorship initiative to bring 13 NAPA Gold Filters branded classrooms to UTI campuses across the country, which will help train both automotive and heavy-duty technicians as they prepare to enter the workforce. PGI and NAPA work together to engineer NAPA Gold Filters which provide superior filtration efficiency and optimal flow.

"More highly trained professionals are needed in the auto industry because labor shortages are hurting the aftermarket repair experience," said Anan Bishara, Founder & CEO of PGI. "Given our market is changing rapidly with advancements in technology, this collaboration with NAPA to support UTI students allows us to create robust experiences that educate and prepare future professionals."

In NAPA Gold Filters branded classrooms, students will have access to high-quality aftermarket auto parts and technical resources, just like they will encounter once on the job. The PGI and NAPA alliance helps ensure UTI students have the right equipment, products and learning environment they need for successful careers beyond the classroom.

"At NAPA, we are committed to equipping tomorrow's automotive technicians with the tools they need to succeed," said Danny Huffaker, SVP of Category Management at NAPA. "By partnering with PGI, we ensure these aspiring professionals have access to the highest quality parts that meet the demanding performance standards of today's advanced engines. This initiative plays a vital role in shaping the future of the automotive aftermarket, and we are proud to be part of it."

Founded in 1965, UTI, a trade and technical school, delivers quality education and training for in-demand careers. Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), UTI has graduated approximately 250,000 students from 15 campuses across the United States.

"We spend a lot of time engineering our product to ensure NAPA has a superior product in terms of performance," said Bishara at the classroom opening. "Every product that we build for NAPA Gold, we make sure it is premium in all aspects - it's the look and feel of the product, the delivery and the performance throughout the life of the filter."

About Premium Guard Inc.
Premium Guard Inc. (PGI) specializes in designing, manufacturing, and distributing products for automotive, diesel, powersport, and specialty filter markets. Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee with close to 1.5 million square foot distribution centers in North America, PGI provides customers with industry-leading service, complete filtration solutions, and best-in-class-quality products.

About NAPA 
Through nearly 6,000 auto parts stores and over 18,000 auto care centers in the U.S., NAPA has America's largest network of parts and care. The NAPA Network is supported by nationwide distribution centers with approximately 800,000 available parts, accessories and supplies. Widely recognized for quality parts, rapid availability and knowledgeable people, NAPA Auto Parts stores serve automotive service professionals, do-it-yourselfers and everyday drivers with quality parts, accessories and supplies to keep cars, trucks and equipment performing safely and efficiently. In 2025, NAPA proudly celebrates its 100th anniversary by honoring its innovative spirit and centennial legacy through community initiatives and a renewed commitment to driving the industry forward for the next century. For more information, visit www.napaonline.com. 

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SOURCE Premium Guard Inc.