Bando USA, Inc. Celebrates Milestones in U.S. and Bowling Green
Contact:
Mike Troyer, General Manager Human Resources and General Affairs
Bando USA, Inc.
270.842.4110; mtroyer@bandousa.com
Communications and Public Policy Director Nick Fuhrman
BOWLING GREEN, KY (July 22, 2008) - Bando USA, Inc. celebrated the 30th anniversary of operations in America and the 20th anniversary of its Bowling Green location today with a special ceremony hosted by Bando USA and the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce. With more than 100 guests and associates in attendance, Bando USA celebrated the milestone and reflected on the continued investment in Bowling Green and economic development. A reception, plant tour and buffet lunch followed the ceremony.
"We are celebrating an important milestone!" said Mike Troyer, general manager human resources and general affairs. "Our mission is to provide high quality accessory drive products to our valued customers, to take care of our most important resource-our associates, and to be responsible to our management and shareholders. We are extremely proud to be an integral part of the Bowling Green community and the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce. Bando has a bright future and is poised for continued success here in South Central Kentucky."
"I am pleased to congratulate Bando USA on 20 years of production in Bowling Green, Kentucky," said George Burgess, commissioner of the Department for Existing Business Development in the Cabinet for Economic Development. "Kentucky is proud to be home to a world-class company such as Bando USA, whose quality products, service and technological advancements have made it a leader in the global automotive industry."
Bando USA is a Tier 1 automotive supplier. Its customer base includes automotive industry leaders such as GM, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan and Toyota. The Bowling Green, Ky., facility produces accessory drive belts using state-of-the-art, highly automated, flexible manufacturing systems. High quality, low cost, and dedicated customer service and delivery have made Bando USA extremely competitive in the marketplace both in the USA and abroad.
Bando Chemical Industries Ltd., the parent company of Bando USA, Inc., is a Japan-based company mainly engaged in the manufacture and sale of conveyor belts, industrial products and chemical products. The company, founded in 1906, operates in three business segments. The Belts and Industrial Products division is engaged in a variety of activities including the manufacture and sale of conveyor belts, power transmission belts, multimedia and precision equipment components. The Chemical Products division is engaged in the manufacture and sale of high-performance films. A third division operates a variety of associated businesses. The Company has 29 subsidiaries and two associated companies.
"I'd like to thank Bando for their longtime commitment to Kentucky as well as congratulate them on their achievement," said Jody Richards, Kentucky's Speaker of the House of Representatives. "On behalf of the Commonwealth and South Central Kentucky, thank you for your dedication to quality, service and longstanding loyalty to our state."
In addition to the celebration ceremony, Bando planted three trees to symbolize its deep roots with Japan, North American and Kentucky-a Yoshino Cherry, a Red Maple and a Tulip Poplar.
Bando is committed to being a good corporate citizen. An example of this commitment is its continued support of United Way and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. In the local community, Bando employees have donated their time and efforts to Lost River Cave Elementary School, and they participate in the annual Bowling Green International Festival.
"Bowling Green is pleased to join with Bando as they celebrate their 20-year commitment to our city! Their influence on the community is great," said Bowling Green Mayor Elaine Walker. "With nearly 150 employees at their location, they are devoted to creating a strong economic impact here and we are deeply appreciative of their continued emphasis on high-quality production from our region."
Warren County Judge Executive Michael Buchanon agreed. "Twenty years in our community has been very rewarding for Bando, and for the people of our region. We are proud to know that Bando has chosen to locate and maintain their North American plant here in South Central Kentucky because of our top-quality workforce and excellent location."
Doug Gorman, chairman of the 2008 Chamber Board of Directors, emphasized Bando's continued commitment to economic development in the region. "With their Chamber partnership and extensive history in Bowling Green, Bando demonstrates that it is dedicated to bringing jobs and economic impact to our region. Their state-of-the-art manufacturing systems and innovative use of equipment are a source of pride for South Central Kentucky and we congratulate them on this milestone."
"What a great occasion for Bando", said Joe Laudadio, president of Bando USA, "to have accomplished what past and many present employees envisioned 20 years ago. We are extremely proud to be manufacturing our products in this south central Kentucky community."
For more information about Bando USA, Inc., visit www.bandousa.com.
For more information about Bando Chemical Industries, Ltd., visit http://www.bando.co.jp/.
About the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce
Incorporated in 1935, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce is the driving force for economic development in South Central Kentucky. As one of only 336 chambers nationwide to be accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the fourth largest chamber in Kentucky, the Chamber serves as a premier business advocate for its more than 1,300 partners. Its primary goals are to promote growth and success in the business community, reaching its small business partners and those in large industries alike. With leadership programs, governmental relations projects, educational initiatives and involvement opportunities, the Chamber aims to support the community and its neighbors in order to enhance the business climate and continue to grow the region.