WMU News

Irwin Seating Co. executive to address Asian experiences

March 12, 1999

KALAMAZOO-- An executive instrumental in the growth of Irwin Seating Co. overseas will describe his experiences in a free public presentation at Western Michigan University Thursday March 25.

Paul D. Winchester, senior vice president international for Irwin Seating Co. of Grand Rapids, will talk about "Organic Growth: An International Growth Strategy for a Medium Sized Manufacturing Firm" at 4 p.m. in Room 1120 of Schneider Hall.

Winchester is the fourth speaker this year in the Global Business Lecture Series, sponsored by the Haworth College of Business and the United States Department of Education as an outgrowth of the Asian/Pacific Education Project . The project is designed to increase understanding, awareness and expertise about doing business in the region.

Irwin Seating is an industry leader in auditorium seating, currently enjoying more than 50 percent of the market share for indoor seating. Projects the company has completed include the seating for the Palace of Auburn Hills and the Hoosier Dome in Indianapolis. In addition, the company provided seating for The Performing Arts Center in the world's tallest building, the Malaysian Petronas Towers.

Winchester, who joined Irwin Seating in 1968, was instrumental in implementing the company's international strategy for developing manufacturing facilities in various regions of the world. In 1996, Irwin began a joint venture in Malaysia and will soon begin manufacturing and marketing in China. The company is also launching a new venture in Brazil.

For more information contact Jeanne Wagenfeld at (616) 387-5069 or Dr. F. William McCarty, professor of finance and commercial law, at (616) 387-5857.

Media contact: Marie Lee, 616 387-8400, marie.lee@wmich.edu


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