Tech celebrates loyalty in Bologna

During Autopromotec week Tech Europe honoured the contribution of a number of loyal distributors who had reached milestones in terms of service and distribution. Plaques were presented by Gary Armstrong (senior vice-president global sales and marketing at Tech International), Martin Blakey (vice-president sales and marketing, Europe) and Walter van Loon (vice-president sales and training, Benelux) to the following distributors:

• Tech Plus Ltd, Ireland – 20 year award, accepted by Brian O’Neill

• Cetix, Slovenia – 20 year award, accepted by Tomaz Plavcak & Jaka Gros

• Ou Mafa, Estonia – 20 year award, accepted by Rain Riisimäe

• Amanda, Lithuania – 15 year award, accepted by Virgilijus Sakavičius

• Colmec, Poland – 15 year award, accepted by Jaroslaw Towianski

• Young Automotive, UK – 10 year award, accepted by Daren Young & Carl Young

• Boab, Sweden – 5 year award, accepted by Borje Ottosson

Tech Europe thanked each distributor for their service and on-going loyalty to the Tech brand in Europe, adding: “We sincerely look forward to many more years of future cooperation.”

Further highlights for Tech at Autopromotec 2013 included the launch of the innovative, new MultiSensor for TPMS and collaboration with some of the world’s leading automotive suppliers, including Gaither Tool, PCL Air Technology, Rubberhog and Checkpoint Safety.

Tech International receives E-Star export award

Meanwhile in the US, acting Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank presented the E-Star award, which is the highest recognition a US company can receive for continued superior performance in increasing or promoting the expansion of exports. The award was presented on 20 May at a ceremony at the Department of Commerce.  Dan Layne, president of Tech International, and Nikki Layne, board member, attended the ceremony.

Tech International, based in Johnstown, Ohio, is the world leader in manufacturing tyre repair materials and chemical products. Tech is one of only two companies ever to have been awarded the president’s E-Star award twice. Tech was honoured in 1981 with the “E” Award and then in 1987 with the E-Star award. In her prepared remarks, Dr Rebecca Blank mentioned this achievement.

The President’s E-Star Award, which was authorized by the Secretary of Commerce on August 4, 1969, affords continuing recognition of noteworthy export promotion efforts. During World War II, more than 4,000 “E Pennants” were presented to war plants in recognition of production excellence. The famous flag with the big “E” emblazoned on it became a badge of patriotism in action.

President Kennedy revived the World War II “E” symbol of excellence to honor and provide recognition to America’s exporters.

The President’s “E” Award was created by Executive Order of the President on December 5, 1961, to afford suitable recognition to persons, firms, or organizations which contribute significantly in the effort to increase United States exports.