Phillips named to Yorozu board

Yorozu Corporation, a leading worldwide supplier of automotive suspension systems, has announced the appointment of Warren County native Jack Phillips as president and chief operating officer of Yorozu America. His appointment was announced in Japan on March 21 and in the United States on March 24.

In his new position, Phillips will assume direct responsibility for the four manufacturing facilities in North America, as well as the sales/marketing and engineering office in Farmington Hills, Mich.

‘It’s a challenge and it’ll be interesting,’ Phillips said of his new position. ‘It’s an honor to be appointed.’

Phillips will also serve as a vice president on the Board of Directors for Yorozu Corporation in Japan ‘ the first American to hold such a position.

‘There are seven people at that level on the board,’ Phillips said. ‘I will be the junior person of the seven. My primary job will be to oversee all the operations in North America and Mexico. I’ll serve on the board of directors of the corporation as well. I’ll be attending board meetings in Japan representing North America and Mexico.’

Phillips says he will be traveling extensively in his new job.

‘I’ll travel to the sales and engineering offices in Farmington Hills, Mich.,’ Phillips said. ‘We have a manufacturing facility in Battle Creek, Mich., a manufacturing facility in Vicksburg, Miss., and a manufacturing facility in Aguascalientes, Mexico.’

Phillips says he already travels to Japan fairly often, and his trips will now increase in frequency.

‘They have monthly board meetings,’ Phillips said. ‘But I probably won’t go to every one of them. I’ll probably go to eight of the 12 or so. Whatever my schedule allows me.’

He will continue in his role as president of Yorozu Automotive Tennessee, to which he was appointed in April 2004, and will still be based out of the North America Headquarters in Morrison.

Phillips says Yorozu America is doing well, but like most manufacturers involved in the automotive industry, the company is seeing a downturn in business.

Phillips’ new position will become effective with the Yorozu Board of Directors meeting June 17.