GTI marks 30th year in Greenville

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GREENVILLE — While many businesses seem to be “here today, gone tomorrow,” Greenville Technology Inc. (GTI) has become a mainstay of the Greenville community. On Saturday, the company celebrated 30 years in business.

A wholly owned subsidiary of Moriroku Technology North America, GTI was first established July 8, 1986. Shipping of parts began in July 1987.

GTI specializes in plastic injection molding, paint and assembly processes for Honda automobiles, manufacturing such parts as consoles, panels, tailgates, and spoilers.

Since its establishment, the company has expanded its manufacturing facilities in the United States and abroad, including in Listowell, Ontario, Canada (RTI); Silao, Guanajuato, Mexico (MTDM); Rainsville, Alabama (RTI); and Anderson, Indiana (GTI-Anderson). In 2015, the company constructed a research and development office in Marysville, Ohio. In all, the company employs approximately 1,200 associates.

Past and present employees, company executives, and community dignitaries were on site to help the company mark its three-decade milestone.

“30 years ago, one of the things we set about doing as a company was to blend the Japanese and American business styles in a way that can maximize the benefits of both business styles and make this a truly benchmark company,” said GTI Executive Vice President Bill LaFramboise. “We established early on as our primary objectives: customer satisfaction — across the board — strong, long-lasting supplier relationships, associate security and safety, and strong community ties and support.”

“Looking back over 30 years, I think those four pillars that we established early, early on… we just decided this is the way to be successful here in Greenville, long term,” he added.

Tom Lake, Honda North America Vice President, said, “Companies that are able to celebrate 30-year anniversaries are truly great, and GTI is no exception.”

“Our vision has been founded on customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction and giving back to the community,” said Mariko Mori, Moriroku Holdings Director, and daughter of the first GTI President, Shigeru Mori.

“When the original facility was built, our community became stronger and richer, not just from the many jobs it created, but they’ve supported so many organizations, which made our community much healthier, stronger,” said Greenville Mayor Steve Willman.

“As GTI’s President, I’m very honored to be here to see our 30th year of business,” said GTI President Yas Nakao. “Today is a day I will cherish and never forget.”

“Our parent company, Moriroku, has a 354-year history,” he added. “While GTI cannot quite catch up to that, we will pass the banner on to the next generation to give back to the community.

After their remarks, the company recognized 27 employees who have been with company for its entire 30-year history, including Executive Vice President LaFramboise. This was followed by refreshments and tours of the facility.

Darke County Commissioner Matt Aultman said, “It’s great to have a company that’s been in our neighborhood for 30 years. It’s employed so many of our constituents here in the county. It’s also good to have somebody who’s producing quality products for market right here in Darke County.”

Darke County Economic Development Director and former Greenville Mayor Mike Bowers called GTI a “cornerstone of our manufacturing sector” and “a great community partner.”

“It’s great to have a company that’s been here with the longevity of 30 years, that’s employed so many folks in the City of Greenville and the county and surrounding area,” he said.

Darke County Commissioner Mike Rhoades said, “This is awesome. This is one of the best things to happen to Darke County.”

Justin Cousino, GTI Human Resource Director (center left), congratulates GTI Executive Vice President Bill LaFramboise on his 30th year at the company. GTI celebrated its 30th anniversary in business Saturday.
https://www.dailyadvocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/web1_GTI-30th-0027-PRINT.jpgJustin Cousino, GTI Human Resource Director (center left), congratulates GTI Executive Vice President Bill LaFramboise on his 30th year at the company. GTI celebrated its 30th anniversary in business Saturday. Erik Martin | The Daily Advocate

GTI President Yas Nakao speaks to those gathered to celebrate GTI’s 30th anniversary. Nakao has been company president since 2013.
https://www.dailyadvocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/web1_GTI-30th-0015-PRINT.jpgGTI President Yas Nakao speaks to those gathered to celebrate GTI’s 30th anniversary. Nakao has been company president since 2013. Erik Martin | The Daily Advocate

By Erik Martin

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GTI Presidents

Shigeru Mori 1987-1994

Toshi Goda 1994-1996

Kiyo Sato 1996-2008

Sho Kurita 2008, 2010-2013

Shu Hayashi 2009-2010

Yas Nakao 2013-present

The writer may be reached at 937-569-4314. Join the conversation and get updates on Facebook search Darke County Sports or Advocate 360. For more features online go to dailyadvocate.com

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