Upfront
Editor Steve Noe snoe@m2media360.com
OPE industry shows true colors — again
T
he outdoor power equipment industry continues to amaze me and serve as a great source of pride with its outpouring of support for those desperately seeking help in the wake of a crisis.
Following the 8.9-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami that devastated
northern Japan on March 11, Liquid Combustion Technology, LLC (LCT) and NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.), Inc. made significant contributions to relief efforts. LCT announced that it was donating 100 power generators to help officials and citi- zens in that region. The LCT donation, which was made on behalf of the company and its employees and customers, represented more than $120,000 worth of generators. Specifically designed for use in Japan, the generators were expected to be used by offi- cials for relief activities such as medical services and food preparation or by homeowners for appliance, food or rebuilding activities. “We extend our condolences and sympathy to the citizens of Japan,” said Keith Gid-
dens, president of Travelers Rest, S.C.-based LCT. “At LCT, we are a global engine man- ufacturer that realizes how power generation can help restore quality of life for Japanese citizens and relief workers. At LCT, we do more than build engines for global OEMs — we build relationships in our markets. We have built ties to Japan’s citizenry and know people who are afflicted by the catastrophes. We are extending our efforts to take care of these people and others in need.” NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.), Inc. is a Wixom, Mich.-based subsidiary of NGK Spark
Plug Co., Ltd. in Nagoya, Japan. Fortunately, NGK received no reports of deaths or in- juries to any of its associates or their families in Japan and none of its four production facilities were damaged. However, in an effort to help those less-fortunate friends and colleagues in Japan,
Richard Sullivan, NGK’s vice president and chief administrative officer, called for a plan of action to encourage employees to make donations to the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund, which was established by the American Red Cross. He pledged that NGK would match those donations dollar for dollar. As a result, NGK and its associates donated $25,000 to the relief fund. Sullivan said that he was proud of the donations to the fund. “Donations for the Japan
Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund far exceeded expectations,” he said. “This is an absolutely amazing accomplishment. We have a great team and a great family.” And a great industry too!
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