Hagerstown, MD - GST AutoLeather has announced its participation in the 63rd World Exposition, scheduled in Aichi, Japan in spring 2005. The company is one of five lead companies in the U.S. Participation.
"At GST AutoLeather we feel very strongly about the role that the automotive industry plays in both the U.S. economy and the world economy. And, we feel strongly in investing our time and resources where they can have the greatest impact," stated Mark D. Lecher, president and chief operating officer for GST AutoLeather. "Aichi 2005 will be an excellent opportunity for U.S. business to showcase its leadership on a world stage at an event hosted by a vital business and trade-partner country."
GST AutoLeather's participation was unveiled at a recent meeting of the U.S. Exhibit advisory committee with Roger Penske, William Brock, Walter Mondale and David Abshire, in which GST AutoLeather committed $250,000 toward the U.S. efforts in Aichi. GST AutoLeather is one of five lead companies in the U.S. participation effort, including Penske, Delphi, Baine & Company and Harman International.
"Toyota is our largest customer, and Dr. Shoichiro Toyoda, the Honorary Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation, is serving as the Chairman of Aichi Expo 2005," explained Lecher. "We certainly agree with Dr. Toyoda's assessment of the significance of this global event and are proud to participate in a showcase of American scientific and technological advances. Our participation is good for our company, good for the U.S. automotive industry, good for Toyota, good for the United States and good for Japan. There are not many chances that come along in business to participate in something with as much upside."
Collaborative community outreach and educational exchanges are nothing new for GST AutoLeather and Toyota during their 23-year business association. In October, for example, GST AutoLeather and Toyota participated in a program in which each company made contributions to non profit organizations chosen by six GST AutoLeather employees who were being recognized for their outstanding community service. GST AutoLeather also treated honorary Toyota guests with a luncheon and sightseeing in D.C. followed by a White House tour.
"We live and work in an international business environment, in arguably the world's most international business. To be able to do something like participate in an international showcase like Aichi Expo 2005 is an honor and privilege for GST AutoLeather," added Lecher.
About GST AutoLeather (www.gstautoleather.com)
GST AutoLeather is headquartered in Hagerstown, Maryland, and is a proud supplier of the world's finest automotive leather. The company processes nearly 100 million square feet of leather per year and holds a 15 percent global market share. Some of the industry's most prestigious automobile companies turn to GST AutoLeather for its innovation, customer service, quality and dependability. GST AutoLeather engineers and technical experts work hand-in-hand with customers to conceive, design and develop new generations of leather for such nameplates as Toyota, Lexus, Acura, Chrysler, Ford, Honda, Isuzu, Lincoln, Mazda, Dodge, Jeep and AM General.