Markham, Ontario – NGK Spark Plugs Canada Limited announced the promotion of Tom Yamaguchi to President effective July 1, 2009. Yamaguchi previously served as Vice President and is a 14-year veteran of NGK Spark Plugs Co., LTD. He also served as Assistant to the President in the NGK U.S.A. office from 2006 until his transfer to the Canada in 2007. In his new role Mr. Yamaguchi will oversee all functions for NGK Spark Plugs Canada Limited. He replaces Shinichi Odo who is returning to Japan to assume the position of Director – Automotive Division. Mr. Yamaguchi was quoted as saying, “Our people and products set the standard for quality in Canada. The Aftermarket industry has been very good to NGK Canada and I am very excited to lead our team and support our customers by improving our practices”. During his time in the United States, Mr. Yamaguchi’s primary responsibility was as Sales Administration Manager. The main function of this position was to oversee the company’s business plan, as well as production and inventory control. With that experience, in June 2007, he was transferred to NGK Canada in order to improve the inventory situation in Canada. Mr. Yamaguchi says that his experience in NGK USA helped him transition to his new position smoothly. He also feels that “Delivery is Key” to maintaining customer service. He helped lead a team to reduce inventory levels in Canada, the result of which was a 40% reduction from the previous years. Mr. Yamaguchi joined NGK in 1995 in the Japan headquarters. His first responsibilities were to support the North and Central American divisions from the Overseas Sales and Marketing department. In October of 2000, Yamaguchi transferred to the USA office in Irvine, California before relocating to Wixom, Michigan which is now the headquarters for the USA division. NGK Spark Plugs – World Leader in Spark Plug and Oxygen Sensor Technology Since 1936, NGK Spark Plugs has been the world leader in technology, innovation, and world-class quality in the design of spark plugs and oxygen sensors. Today, NGK manufactures NGK Spark Plugs and NTK Oxygen Sensors for virtually every automotive manufacturer in the world. NGK has built a reputation for quality and reliability, and a commitment to excellence continues to be the driving force behind the company’s advanced research and development programs. With state-of-the-art manufacturing, inventory, and distribution facilities, NGK is dedicated to providing customers with world-class products and services. In addition to serving OE automotive and aftermarket customers, NGK also produces spark plugs for motorcycle, power sports, marine and small engine manufacturers. NGK also offers complimentary product lines including resistor caps, spark plug wires, and high performance cables. In Canada, NGK is headquartered in Markham, Ontario and maintains inventory, and distribution facilities in the same facility. Our Mission: “We improve life through the environmentally responsible manufacture and precise application of advanced ceramic technologies for all of North America. Focused on innovation and teamwork, we contribute to local and global economic growth by matching our products to our customers’ visions each day, exceeding their expectations in quality, value, service and performance.”