To review a JAC Products News Release, please select an entry from the list below.

• 04-16-08 - Automotive Exterior Trim Manufacturer JAC Products Announces Plant Consolidation Plan

PONTIAC, MI, April 16, 2008 -- Steve Morrey, President and CEO of JAC Products, a leading designer and manufacturer of functional automotive exterior trim, announced today that the company will consolidate their manufacturing operations to improve productivity to meet the requirements of today’s very competitive automotive industry.

Programs shipped from the Monclova, Ohio plant will be transferred, in an orderly fashion, to other JAC Products facilities, and the company will close the Monclova plant during the spring of 2009. It is estimated that 120 positions will move to the company’s facilities in either Georgia or Michigan. JAC Products’ manufacturing operations in Europe will not be affected by this consolidation.

“This consolidation of operations is part of our on-going efforts to continually improve our productivity, a prerequisite for success within the global automotive industry, and a mandate here at JAC Products,” said Steve Morrey. “Product innovation is also a priority at JAC. As part of our focus on developing innovative new products, we have recently launched production of new cargo management systems for pickup trucks.”

About JAC Products

Founded in 1967, JAC Products Inc. is a leading designer and manufacturer of original equipment roof racks, functional exterior trim, and cargo management systems … supplying vehicles worldwide. Owned by Citi Group, JAC Products is a full-service global supplier, manufacturing products at ISO/TS Registered locations in the U.S., Germany, and Portugal. For more information, visit: www.jacproducts.com.

-###-

back to top

• 03-20-08 -Automotive Roof Rack Supplier JAC Products Names New President/CEO

PONTIAC, MI -- JAC Products, a leading designer and manufacturer of original-equipment automotive roof racks and cargo management systems, has named Stephen Morrey, President and CEO.

Mr. Morrey was previously President and CEO of Dayton Superior Corp (Dayton, OH) and has also served as President of Alcoa Automotive Castings (Detroit, MI). His prior automotive manufacturing and operations experience includes 18 years with TRW’s Occupant Safety Systems division, where, as Vice President Operations, he was responsible for 32 plants in 16 countries.

Mr. Morrey holds a Bachelors of Science in Manufacturing Engineering Technology as well as an MBA from Brigham Young University (Provo, UT).

“Steve brings a strong resume of automotive component experience to JAC Products, including the effective management of manufacturing operations on four continents. We’re very pleased to have him join us to further strengthen our leadership position in OEM functional exterior trim and cargo management,“ said Rich Purcelli, Chairman, JAC Products.

About JAC Products
Founded in 1967, JAC Products Inc is a leading designer and manufacturer of original equipment roof racks, functional exterior trim, and cargo management systems…supplying vehicles worldwide. Owned by Citi Group, JAC Products is a full-service global supplier, manufacturing products at ISO/TS Registered locations in the U.S., Germany, and Portugal. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.jacproducts.com.

# # #

Stephen Morrey, President and CEO, JAC Products
See attached image file (JPEG) or email david@smith-winchester.com.

back to top

• 06-15-07 - Roof Rack Manufacturer JAC Products Names New Vice President of North American Operations

PONTIAC, MI -- JAC Products, a leading designer and manufacturer of original-equipment roof racks for vehicles worldwide, has named Jeffrey Jaisle Vice President-North American Operations. He will oversee manufacturing operations at the JAC Group’s manufacturing facilities in Michigan (Saline and Shelby Twp.) and Ohio (Monclova), as well as JAC Products’ Franklin Aluminum operation (Franklin, Georgia).

He was most recently Vice President of Operations at Sypris Technologies (Louisville, KY), a component producer for the truck, aerospace/defense and electronics industries. Previously, he served as Vice President of Chassis Operations, NAO at Benteler Automotive (Auburn Hills, MI), where he successfully managed the opening of multiple “greenfield” manufacturing facilities. Prior positions have included engineering and technology management posts with Lear, ITT Automotive, and General Motors (Delco Products Division).

“Jeff’s entire 22-year career has been focused primarily on the automotive business, with demanding assignments in both engineering and manufacturing management. His experience will be an important asset to us,” said JAC Products President and CEO George Hofman.

Jaisle holds a Bachelors Degree in electrical engineering from the University of Dayton. 

JAC Products designs, engineers and manufactures roof racks, step rails and running boards, roof top storage, and other accessories for OEM applications. The company is a full-service global supplier with 13 QS 9000-certified manufacturing operations on three continents.

About JAC Products
Founded in 1967, JAC Products Inc is a leading designer and manufacturer of original equipment roof racks, supplying vehicles worldwide. Owned by Citicorp Venture Capital, Ltd., JAC Products manufactures products in the U.S., Germany, Portugal, Argentina, and the U.K. Additionally, JAC owns and operates Mont Blanc® (Sweden) and Paddy Hopkirk (England), which manufacture bicycle and ski racks; plus component supplier Franklin Aluminum (Franklin, Georgia). For more information, visit the company’s website at www.jacproducts.com.

# # #

For Word Doc or to have the image emailed to you, email david@smith-winchester.com.

back to top

• 03-27-06 - Roof Rack for 2007 FJ Cruiser Designed Jointly by Toyota and JAC Products

The successor to the legendary FJ Series features an integrated, tubular roof rack.

PONTIAC, MI -- JAC Products, a leading designer and manufacturer of original-equipment roof racks for vehicles worldwide, has worked jointly with the Toyota Motor Sales vehicle team to create a bold roof rack for the 2007 FJ Cruiser that will be introduced early 2006.

The goal was to create an integrated, highly-functional rack that would support the legendary rugged image associated with the Toyota FJ series. The ”clean sheet of paper” approach resulted in a roof rack that features a 165 lb. load capacity; a tubular, extruded aluminum design that includes an integrated basket; and a textured, black powder-coat finish that is striking in its intentional color contrast to the white roof.

The FJ is positioned to capture the youth market with its straight-forward styling, authentic off-road performance, and affordable price. The tubular roof rack supports the FJ Series’ historic reputation for outdoor adventure. Optional bicycle and ski rack accessories from Mont Blanc® (a subsidiary of JAC Products) are also available.

JAC Products’ role in the development of the roof rack has continued from the initial concept, design, prototype, and testing phases, through to the FJ production launch in 2006. JAC Products has been partnering with Toyota on roof racks and other accessory projects since 1978.

The multitude of photos and stories proudly chronicled by enthusiasts on-line underscore the heritage of Toyota’s FJ 4X4 Land Cruisers of the 60s and 70s, harkening back to a day when the functional acrobatics of an off-road vehicle were all that mattered, and amenities were few.

About JAC Products
Founded in 1967, JAC Products Inc is a leading designer and manufacturer of original equipment roof racks, supplying vehicles worldwide. Owned by Citicorp Venture Capital, Ltd., JAC Products manufactures products in the U.S., Germany, Portugal, Argentina, and the U.K. Additionally, JAC owns and operates Mont Blanc® (Sweden) and Paddy Hopkirk (England), which manufacture bicycle and ski racks; plus component supplier Franklin Aluminum (Franklin, Georgia). For more information, visit the company’s website at www.jacproducts.com.

Photo Caption:
2007 FJ Cruiser with roof rack manufactured by JAC Products

Click on image to download High Resolution version

Photo Caption:
2007 FJ Cruiser with roof rack manufactured by JAC Products; shown with Mont Blanc® ski rack accessory.

Contact David@smith-winchester.com for a High Resolution version




Photo Caption:
The JAC Products roof rack with integrated basket on the Toyota 2007 FJ Cruiser supports the legendary, rugged look of the FJ Series.

Contact David@smith-winchester.com for a High Resolution version.

For Word Doc or to have the image emailed to you, email david@smith-winchester.com

# # #

back to top

• 07-11-05 - JAC Products Receives Subaru Supplier Excellence Award for Cost, Quality, Delivery and Communication

PONTIAC, MI - JAC Products, a leading designer and manufacturer of original-equipment roof racks for vehicles worldwide, has received a Subaru “Supplier Excellence Award” (Silver) for outstanding performance in producing components with optimum cost, quality, delivery and communication.

Robyn Bergdahl, Program Manager, and Ron Hermann, Account Executive, accepted the award at a presentation in Princeton, New Jersey on April 30th, 2005.

“We’re proud to get an award that recognizes these four key aspects of a productive business relationship. We did it by getting the best product to our customer, on time, at the right price for their market, supported by effective communications that streamlined the process,” says Ron Hermann. “We look forward to bringing more innovation to the equation with the cargo management systems that we will be introducing soon,” he added.

About JAC Products
Founded in 1967, JAC Products Inc is a leading designer and manufacturer of original equipment roof racks, supplying vehicles worldwide.

Owned by Citicorp Venture Capital, Ltd., JAC Products manufactures products in the U.S., Germany, Portugal, Argentina, and the U.K. Additionally, JAC owns and operates Mont Blanc® (Sweden) and Paddy Hopkirk (England), which manufacture bicycle and ski racks, plus component supplier Franklin Aluminum (Franklin, Georgia). For more information, visit the company’s website at www.jacproducts.com.

# # #

back to top

• 12-16-04 - JAC Products Relocates Expanded Engineering, Sales and Marketing Operation to Larger Facility

MADISON HEIGHTS, MI – JAC Products, a leading designer and
manufacturer of original-equipment roof racks for vehicles worldwide,
announces the relocation of their engineering/design, sales/marketing, and
Program Management functions. Currently located in Madison Heights,
Michigan, the operation will move to a larger structure in Pontiac, Michigan.
The 40,000 square-foot facility, just off Opdyke Road near South Boulevard,
will be named JAC Products World Technical Center.

The new Technical Center will be home to the JAC Products Idea Team –
engineers, designers, and sales and marketing personnel whose task is
conceptualizing and prototyping innovative functional exterior trim products
that enhance their customers’ vehicles. The facility will feature expanded
engineering and service areas, with additional CAD capabilities for advanced
product modeling. A new presentation/demonstration showroom will offer
customers an attractive, comfortable setting in which to view and interact
with new concepts of products, evaluating them for styling and functionality.
JAC’s new facility will also provide additional space to evaluate preproduction
pilot assembles, prior to their introduction into JAC Products’
assembly locations. The move is expected to be complete around the first of
December.

According to JAC Products President George Hofman, “We simply outgrew
our Madison Heights location. Our increasing business volume has meant
expanding our capacity to meet product development demands of our
locations around the globe. At the same time, Our World Technical Center
increases our range and depth of service to our customers.

”Owned by Citicorp Venture Capital, Ltd., JAC Products manufactures
products in the U.S., Germany, Portugal, Argentina, and the U.K.
Additionally, JAC owns and operates Mont Blanc® (Sweden) and Paddy
Hopkirk (England), which manufacture bicycle and ski racks, plus component
supplier Franklin Aluminum (Franklin, Georgia). For more information, visit
the company’s website at www.jacproducts.com.

# # #

back to top

• 12-16-04 - JAC Products Wins Toyota Tacoma Roof Rack Business

MADISON HEIGHTS, MI – JAC Products, a leading designer and manufacturer of OEM
roof racks for vehicles worldwide, announces it has been selected to design and
manufacture an innovative new roof rack for the Toyota Tacoma 4-Door pick-up truck. The
multi-year award takes effect in model year 2005.

The unique Tacoma swing-in-place rack is designed to stow its cross bars within the side
rails, so they’re always ready for use. When cross bars are needed, each bar swings out at
a 90-degree angle from its respective side rail, then locks into the opposite side rail. Cargo
can then be secured to the rack. When not in use, the cross bars swing back into the side
rails, for a significant potential reduction in wind noise.

According to JAC Vice-President – Marketing & Sales Don Muñoz, “The swing-in-place
roof rack for the Toyota Tacoma 4-Door pick-up truck is a unique life-style feature that
adds real functionality and buyer appeal. It reflects the level of value-adding innovation that
JAC provides for its customers.”

# # #

back to top

• 12-16-04 - JAC Products Announce New European Operations Director

MADISON HEIGHTS, MI – JAC Products, a leading manufacturer of
automotive functional exterior trim, announces the promotion of Wayne Nash
to Director – European Operations. In his newly created position, Nash will
be responsible for JAC Europe original-equipment manufacturing operations,
including the development and execution of the company’s manufacturing
strategy.

From his former office in Saline, Michigan, U.S.A., Nash previously headed
up quality for JAC Products global design and manufacturing operations. He
had advanced through a series of quality-management positions at JAC over
the last 12 years since arriving from General Motors. In his new role, Nash
will report to Paul Parent, President of JAC Products –Europe. A subsidiary
of JAC Products Inc., the company is comprised of facilities and operations in
Germany, Portugal, the U.K., and Argentina.

“This is an exciting time at JAC Products-Europe,” said Paul Parent, in
announcing Nash’s appointment to the new position. “We must refine our
manufacturing operations and continue as the benchmark roof rail supplier
in Europe. Manufacturing improvements are the key to our success, and the
creation of this position will enable us to meet our goals.”
Nash, his wife, Julie and two sons will relocate to Germany in early January,
2005.

Owned by Citicorp Venture Capital, Ltd., JAC Products manufactures
products in the U.S., Germany, Portugal, Argentina, and the U.K.
Additionally, JAC owns and operates Mont Blanc® (Sweden) and Paddy
Hopkirk (England), which manufacture bicycle and ski racks, plus component
supplier Franklin Aluminum (Franklin, Georgia). For more information, visit
the company’s website at www.jacproducts.com.

# # #

back to top

• 12-16-04 - JAC Products Receives 2004 Toyota Quality Alliance – Gold Award

MADISON HEIGHTS, MI – JAC Products, a leading manufacturer of automotive
functional exterior trim, received the 2004 Toyota Quality Alliance – Gold Award.
The award covers all aspects of doing business with Toyota Motor Sales, including
quality assurance, warranty, delivery, invoicing and claims, purchasing, marketing,
program management and technical development.

JAC Products is currently supplying roof racks for the Toyota Tacoma pick-up
truck, the RX330 and Sequoia SUVs, Sienna mini-van, and the RAV 4. They are
also producing step bumper pads for the Toyota Matrix.

The award was presented by Toyota Motor Sales on September 20 at their annual
suppler conference held in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Accepting the award JAC
Products Vice-President – Marketing Don Munoz said, “It’s gratifying to be
recognized by this valued customer, one of the industry’s quality leaders. JAC
Products is committed to continually improving our supplier partnership with
Toyota.”

About JAC Products
Founded in 1967, JAC Products, Inc. is a leading designer and manufacturer of
original equipment roof racks, supplying vehicles worldwide.

Owned by Citicorp Venture Capital, Ltd., JAC Products manufactures products in
the U.S., Germany, Portugal, Argentina, and the U.K. Additionally, JAC owns and
operates Mont Blanc® (Sweden) and Paddy Hopkirk (England), which manufacture
bicycle and ski racks, plus component supplier Franklin Aluminum (Franklin,
Georgia). For more information, visit the company’s website at
www.jacproducts.com.

# # #

back to top

• 05-06-04 - JAC Products Honored with Ford’s 2003 World Excellence Award

MADISON HEIGHTS, MI- JAC Products received Ford Motor Company's Silver World Excellence Award for its superior performance in 2003.

The World Excellence Awards provide annual recognition based on quality, cost and delivery performance. Forty-two suppliers from 16 countries won awards in various categories.

"Congratulations to JAC Products. Our World Excellence Award winning suppliers play an essential role in helping us deliver quality products to our customers," said Tony Brown, Ford vice president, Global Purchasing.

There are three types of World Excellence Awards -- Gold, Silver, and Recognition of Achievement. The Gold and Silver Awards are given to suppliers that excel in quality, delivery and cost; 12 suppliers won the Gold Award, and 24 suppliers won the Silver Award.

About JAC Products

Founded in 1967, JAC Products, Inc. is a leading designer and manufacturer of original equipment roof racks, supplying vehicles worldwide.

Owned by Citicorp Venture Capital, Ltd., JAC Products manufactures products in the U.S., Germany, Portugal, Argentina, and the U.K. Additionally, JAC owns and operates Mont Blanc® (Sweden) and Paddy Hopkirk (England), which manufacture bicycle and ski racks, plus component supplier Franklin Aluminum (Franklin, Georgia). For more information, visit the company¹s website at www.jacproducts.com.

# # #

back to top

• 02-18-04 - JAC Products Names New President of European O.E. Operations

MADISON HEIGHTS, MI- JAC Products, the world’s leading manufacturer of OEM roof racks, announces the hiring of Paul Parent as President of JAC Products Europe. A group of five companies located in Europe and South America, JAC Products Europe manufactures automotive roof racks and rack accessory products for original equipment automakers and the accessory aftermarket. Parent will work out of JAC Products Europe headquarters in Wuppertal (Koln), Germany, where he will be responsible for all European manufacturing and sales operations. The position reports to George Hofman, JAC Products President and CEO.

Prior to joining JAC, Parent served as president of Vibracoustic North America, a Plymouth, Mich.- based division of Freudenberg-NOK. He held previous positions as president of NAFTA Suspension Activities, Sachs Automotive of America; Vice President of Bosch Automotive Motor Systems (BAMS); and General Manager, Wiper Systems.

According to Hofman, “Paul's appointment has further enhanced JAC Europe’s position as market leader. While utilizing his skills and experience to strengthen operational efficiencies, Paul will focus on long-range, strategic opportunities to expand our European business portfolio.”

About JAC Products

Founded in 1967, JAC Products, Inc. is a leading designer and manufacturer of original equipment roof racks, supplying vehicles worldwide.

Owned by Citicorp Venture Capital, Ltd., JAC Products manufactures products in the U.S., Germany, Portugal, Argentina, and the U.K. Additionally, JAC owns and operates Mont Blanc® (Sweden) and Paddy Hopkirk (England), which manufacture bicycle and ski racks, plus component supplier Franklin Aluminum (Franklin, Georgia). For more information, visit the company¹s website at www.jacproducts.com.

# # #

back to top

• 11-04-03 - JAC Products Selects Global Quality Director From Within

MADISON HEIGHTS, MI – JAC Products, the world’s leading manufacturer of OEM roof racks, announces the promotion of Wayne Nash to Global Quality Director. He will oversee quality for JAC Products global design and manufacturing operations, which include 13 facilities in six countries on three continents. Previously, Nash was JAC Products Corporate Quality Director, having advanced through a series of quality-management positions at JAC since coming from General Motors in1992. He reports to JAC Products President George Hofman.

Among Nash’s responsibilities are, planning and directing quality assurance policies and procedures, developing short- and long-term quality goals, assuring compliance to customer’s quality system requirements, monitoring customer satisfaction indices, and communicating quality trends to the global organization.

“In an era when supplier quality is assumed,” said Hofman, in announcing Nash’s promotion, “we assure our quality by making virtually no assumptions at all. That, in a nutshell, is Wayne’s task: developing and monitoring JAC quality systems and processes to eliminate error-producing assumptions. He is a key player in assuring our product quality success.”

About JAC Products

Founded in 1967, JAC Products, Inc. is a leading designer and manufacturer of original equipment roof racks, supplying vehicles worldwide.

Owned by Citicorp Venture Capital, Ltd., JAC Products manufactures products in the U.S., Germany, Portugal, Argentina, and the U.K. Additionally, JAC owns and operates Mont Blanc® (Sweden) and Paddy Hopkirk (England), which manufacture bicycle and ski racks, plus component supplier Franklin Aluminum (Franklin, Georgia). For more information, visit the company¹s website at www.jacproducts.com.

###

back to top

11-04-03 - JAC Products’ Idea Team Debuts 18 New Automotive Exterior Trim Products at 2003 SEMA Show

MADISON HEIGHTS, MI – JAC Products, the world’s leading manufacturer of OEM roof racks, is showcasing its newest innovations in automotive functional exterior trim products, along with its Mont Blanc® bicycle racks and accessories, at the 2003 SEMA show. This year’s products, shown exclusively on pickup trucks and SUVs, are lifestyle-oriented, with solutions designed to enhance vehicle-owners’ work, travel and recreational activities.

A prime example is a load-management system on the GMC Denali pickup truck that features a slide-out worktable and other equipment that facilitates loading and unloading and boosts transporting efficiency. Another is a modular rooftop cargo system for the Ford Escape, featuring a new-generation articulating rack, removable air dam and removable cargo basket. The system’s individual elements can be incorporated to meet a range of model and option-group levels. Each vehicle features a unique JAC concept or production roof-rack system.

JAC’s Idea Team, a core group of eight staff engineers, designers and craftsmen
who specialize in creating unique cargo-handling design ideas, developed the 18 new products.

According to Gerry Kmita, the Idea Team’s New-Product Development Manager, “JAC’s products are designed to give vehicles added functionality and lifestyle appeal. They’re highly visible and their utility is clear, helping create a recognizable, signature look that distinguishes the brand … at a much lower cost than changing sheet metal.”

“With the products we’re showing at SEMA,” added Brian Henderson, the team’s Business Development Manager, “many design and manufacturing issues have already been addressed. We’ve been through a big part of the developmental learning curve, and we can help our customers bring their programs on line smoothly and in far less time.”

Most of the products displayed in the JAC Product’s SEMA show booth, number 31949 are installed on vehicles. Roof racks for the Porsche Cayenne and the Lexus RX 330 will be shown on displays. JAC’s SEMA show products include:

• Swing-in-place crossbars featured on the Hyundai Santa Fe SUV. This “convertible roof rack” includes functional side rails that pivot to become crossbars, the rear crossbar being adjustable. When not in use, crossbars pivot back into roof rails, reducing wind noise, and retaining the vehicle’s aerodynamic look. The vehicle also includes a step rail made of extruded aluminum with molded end caps and step pads.

• JAC’s new-design modular articulating rack system, shown on the Ford Escape SUV. The articulating rack slides along roof channels, back and over the tailgate, locking into the rear bumper. The system’s modular elements – articulating rack, removable air dam and removable cargo basket – can be added or deleted to meet various model and option-group levels.

• JAC’s Contractor Equipment Group shown on a GMC Denali pickup truck turns the vehicle into an on-the-job work partner, while boosting transport efficiency. A load-management system facilitates equipment loading and unloading. JAC’s slide-out worktable, rail-mounted cargo bins, adjustable cargo gate, load bars, and tie-down cleats are all compatible with the factory tonneau cover or aftermarket shells. Additional JAC products include a light bar with integrated telematics antenna, and an extruded aluminum step rail.

• JAC-designed modular recreational package displayed on a Dodge Dakota pickup truck. The system includes swing-in-place bed rails that pivot to become load bars, and adjustable load-gate divider that can be used in a vertical or horizontal position. The divider manages moderate loads at the rear of the bed, and pivots to accommodate long items. The equipment package also includes an easy-load side rack that facilitates truck-top loading and unloading. A Mont Blanc® Barracuda bicycle rack, with hands-free-fastening design that makes bike loading easy, is mounted on the roof rack.

• JAC’s easy-load side rack, in production on the Porsche Cayenne SUV, extends from roof rails over the side of the vehicle for quick, hassle-free loading, and is rated for loads up to 220 pounds.

• The single-side release roof rack, an industry first from JAC, allows extremely smooth and easy cross-bar adjustment in half the time, from either side of the vehicle. It is currently in production on the Lexus RX 330 luxury SUV.

###

back to top

11-20-02 - JAC Products Receives Daimler Chrysler"Design Excellence" Award at SEMA Show

MADISON HEIGHTS, MI - JAC Products, the world's leading manufacturer of OEM roof racks, has received the prestigious Design Excellence Award from Daimler Chrysler, in recognition of JAC's innovative roof rack design for the 2003 Dodge Caravan.

Presented at the 2002 SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show in Las Vegas, the award was one of only four bestowed to Tier One suppliers for "enhancement of vehicle function through component design and application." One supplier was recognized in each of four vehicle categories: trucks, automobiles, SUVs and vans, the category for which JAC won.

Designed by the JAC Products Idea Team, the roof rack offered on the 2003 Dodge Caravan offers storage on both the roof and the vehicle rear hatch. The hatch portion of the rack is hinged on the roof, operates independent of the tailgate, and allows access to the rear of the vehicle, even with the rack loaded. Once the rack is securely locked to the rear bumper, bikes, skis and other gear can be mounted on bike or ski holders and attached to the rack's crossbars. An integrated front air dam houses a retractable cargo bag that fastens onto the roof rack.

"Considering all the highly competent, forward-thinking suppliers that Daimler Chrysler partners with, we are extremely proud to be recognized for our design innovations," said George Hofman, President of JAC. "The Design Excellence Award shows that our Idea Team is on the right track."

###

back to top

11-05-02 - JAC Products Introduces Ten New Automotive Exterior Trim Products at 2002 SEMA Show

MADISON HEIGHTS, MI - JAC Products, the world's leading manufacturer of OEM roof racks, is debuting 10 new functional exterior trim products on six trucks, vans and SUVs at this year's SEMA Show. Ranging from a built-in picnic table that pulls out of a Pontiac Vibe's rear cargo area, to an articulating back-rack for the Dodge Caravan that lets users open the tailgate with the rack in place, the new products are designed to add functionality and lifestyle appeal to popular niche-market vehicles. Five of the six vehicles also feature production roof racks built by JAC.

The 10 new products were designed by JAC Products' Idea Team, a core group of eight staff engineers, designers and craftsmen who specialize in developing innovative products.

According to Gerry Kmita, who heads the JAC Idea Team's new-product development, "Everything we do is custom. Our goal is to design products that add value and functionality to our customers' vehicles. We like to 'kick it up a notch.' Two good examples currently in production are our roof rack with front air foil and removable storage basket for the Nissan Xterra, and our articulating, over-the-back roof rack for the Ford Escape XLT."

Brian Henderson, who heads JAC's Business Development team, added, "Ultimately, the value of automotive exterior trim is established by the end-users. Delivering that value might mean displacing an existing trim item. Our secret to success? Helping our customers give their customers more than they expect."

Several of JAC's products will be displayed in the company's booth at the SEMA Show. Those vehicles include:

• The Pontiac Vibe, which comes equipped with a unique JAC-produced roof rack, and a pull-out/flip-out picnic tray/shelf that mounts to a production cargo track system, also produced by JAC.

• The newly-introduced Jeep Liberty, outfitted with a JAC-manufactured cargo bin with stowable cross-bars and a tubular step rail.

• The production model of the Subaru Baja includes adjustable cross bars. JAC's new concept features a track-mounted cargo management system.

• The Dodge Caravan, featuring a modular lifestyle system with side rails that can swing into position as cross bars, a removable back rack system and a retractable cargo bag housed in a functional air dam.

• The Land Rover Freelander, including a tubular rack with integral cargo box and a tubular step rail.

• The Mini Cooper, equipped with Mont Blanc® load bars, a Barracuda bike carrier and a removable smoky-acrylic air dam.

###

back to top

5-22-02 - JAC Products Appoints Account Executives for Big
Three Accounts

MADISON HEIGHTS, MI - JAC Products, the world's largest supplier of OEM roof racks, announced the appointments of Ben A. Pupillo. P.E., to the position of General Motors/Daimler Chrysler Account Executive, and Gordon Michie to Account Executive, Ford Programs. In these positions, Pupillo and Michie will manage all aspects of their respective accounts, including sales, forecasting, account service, program launches and program design changes.

A 13-year company veteran, Pupillo was most recently JAC account executive for Ford Programs. He holds an Executive MBA degree, a Master of Science degree in Automotive Engineering, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. Pupillo is a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Michigan, and a 25-year member of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). Pupillo also has six years of experience working for GM, prior to joining JAC Products.

Most recently Program Manager for JAC's Toyota account, Michie holds a Bachelor of Applied Science degree from the University of Windsor, and is a licensed Professional Engineer from the Association of Professional Engineers Ontario (APEO). Before joining JAC in 1999, Michie gained five years experience working for Ford Motor Company as a Supplier Technical Assistance Engineer.

"The demands placed on OEM suppliers for more full-service support, error-free product launches and continual productivity improvements have been relentless," said Don Muñoz, JAC Products Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "To be competitive in this industry, suppliers must have strong and dedicated leadership. With their strong engineering and program-management experience, both Ben and Gordon bring that leadership to the JAC team."

About JAC Products

Founded in 1967, JAC Products, Inc. is a leading designer and manufacturer of original equipment roof racks, supplying vehicles worldwide.

Owned by Citicorp Venture Capital, Ltd., JAC Products manufactures products in the U.S., Germany, Portugal, Argentina, and the U.K. Additionally, JAC owns and operates Mont Blanc® (Sweden) and Paddy Hopkirk (England), which manufacture bicycle and ski racks, plus component supplier Franklin Aluminum (Franklin, Georgia). For more information, visit the company¹s website at www.jacproducts.com.

###

4-03-02 - JAC Products and Ford Recognize Employees on Escape's Articulating Roof Rack Team

SALINE, MI - JAC Products, the world's number-one supplier of OEM roof racks, in partnership with Ford Motor Company, recently recognized company employees instrumental in the creation and production of the No Boundaries Roof Rack System. The breakthrough rack design is currently available on the Ford Escape XLT Sport.

Nearly 70 JAC Products and Ford staff members attended an appreciation event, held at JAC's Saline, Michigan manufacturing facility on Friday, March 15. Employees heard personal words of appreciation from JAC Products and Ford executives, and received personalized awards recognizing their accomplishments.

This unique articulating system is the first with the ability to double its cargo space by extending beyond the vehicle's roof, and folding down over the rear hatch. When extended, the rack provides 100-lbs. of capacity on both top and back racks.

The development of the Ford Escape No Boundaries Roof Rack System is a true success story, in terms of innovation, inter-company teamwork and employee contribution. JAC Products created the rack based on a Ford sketch, taking it from concept to prototype in record-breaking time. The prototype was displayed in the Ford exhibit at the 2000 North American International Auto Show, and the production model was introduced to the market in January, 2002.

"This team encountered many challenges while bringing this product to market," said Keith Takasawa, Chief Engineer for the Ford Escape. "But they hung in there, and kept the vision. This is our small way of saying thanks for all their hard work."

During the event, JAC President George Hofman said, "This product has come to symbolize what JAC is all about - originality, innovation and value to the customer. Today, we thank both JAC and Ford employees for their dedication to this project."

Takasawa added, "This roof rack is a perfect example of an invention that has set a nameplate apart. It's nothing less than fantastic, and consumers agree - No Boundaries rack sales are already well ahead of projections."

###

back to top

###