OPEI Welcomes Four New Members

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) announced that ITW-Fastex, Miniature Precision Components (MPC), Parker Hannifin and E-Z-GO, a Textron company, have joined the organization.

“I am delighted to welcome these companies to the OPEI team,” states OPEI President and CEO Bill Harley.  “Their involvement and leadership will be a great asset to OPEI.”

Founded in 1954, E-Z-GO joined Textron in 1961. E-Z-GO, based in Augusta, Ga., is a leading manufacturer of golf carts and utility vehicles with an extensive sales and service network.

ITW Fastex, a division of Illinois Tool Works, produces a line of safety related products including in-line fuel valves, fuel filters, fuel caps, safety switches and other engineered components. "Joining OPEI is a step in our continuing effort to grow and expand our product offerings to the Outdoor Power Industry" explains Tim Stark, business unit manager, ITW Fastex.

Headquartered in Walworth, Wis., MPC has been a full service supplier of functional thermoplastic injection, extrusion and suction blow molded assemblies/subassemblies since 1972. MPC operates six manufacturing locations in the United States and Mexico. In 2004, sales at MPC exceeded $167 million.

Founded in 1918, Parker Hannifin is a worldwide manufacturer of motion and control technologies for a variety of commercial, industrial, mobile and aerospace markets. In 2005, the Cleveland, Ohio-based company recorded sales more than $8 billion. "As a market leader in hydrostatic pumps and motor systems for the turf equipment industry, we are excited about our new membership to OPEI," states Jeff Osterman, marketing manager for Parker's Hydraulic Pump/Motor division.

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) is an international trade association committed to advancing the outdoor power equipment industry in the areas of public safety, environmental responsibility, business development and advocacy. Founded in 1952, OPEI represents the manufacturers of outdoor power equipment and their suppliers. If you are interested in becoming a member of OPEI, please contact Pam Goodell, director of marketing, at pgoodell@opei.org or 703-549-7600.