TUA Launches Ultrasuede® Products for the Automotive Interiors Market

Toray Ultrasuede (America), Inc. (TUA) is pleased to announce the launch of a new business venture into the automotive arena with the introduction of its Ultrasuede® Brand and the new EcoDesign™ Group of products for automotive interior applications. The TUA Ultrasuede® Automotive Division will be headquartered in Troy, Michigan. TUA has a long history in the automotive market in both the OEM and aftermarket segments and is now moving forward with the introduction of its own products under the Ultrasuede® Brand.

Mr. Stephen Fore is the Business Manager and Ms. Nancy Williams is the Project Manager, both of whom are located in Troy, MI. Both Mr. Fore and Ms. Williams have extensive experience in the automotive industry as well as with TUA and look forward to bringing to market this iconic brand with its rich American history which we believe will enhance the beauty and performance of any OEMs interior offering. Mr. Desmond McLaughlin, Executive Director of the Ultrasuede® businesses, will oversee the management of this new business.

Ultrasuede® has a 40 year storied history of success as well as strong brand recognition in the American market, particularly versus its direct branded and unbranded competitors. The iconic brand has evolved from the heady fashion era of Halston and Studio 54 through its expansion into interior furnishings for homes, offices, aircraft, mega yachts and RVs to now taking on the rigorous demands of the automotive industry.

It should be noted that Ultrasuede® is launching this new business with sustainable products based on recycling technology developed by its parent company, Toray Industries, Inc., of Tokyo, Japan. Toray espouses a deep dedication to environmental sustainability and improvement and has for three years been a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes. The Toray commitment to social responsibility goes back some 50 years when the Toray Environment & Safety Department was established.

Ultrasuede® is used across a broad range of platforms and in multiple industries, meeting consumers’ demand for the use of more ecologically friendly products. Ultrasuede®, together with Toray technology, continues to innovate and develop environmentally sensitive products, with the ongoing goal of improving ecological and social conditions around the world. EcoDesign™ products deliver on the promise of the TUA commitment to excellence through environmental responsibility.

For more information, please contact:
Toray International America Inc.
Ultrasuede Department
Michigan Office
340 East Bigh Beaver Road, Suite 120
Troy, MI 48083
248-273-3474 (tel)
248-268-8900 (fax)
automotive@ultrasuede.com