PEACHTREE CITY, GA -- Hella Inc., the North American aftermarket subsidiary of automotive lighting and electronics supplier Hella, is opening a new sales office in the Toronto area.

"The new sales facility supports our plans for further expansion," says Wolfgang Benz, president of Hella Inc. "Our sales staff will be closer to our Canadian customers, allowing us to better serve this important market."

Located in Mississauga, just west of the Toronto city limits, the new office will be headed by Siegfried Tigges, Hella Inc.'s Canadian national sales manager, who is transferring to Toronto from the company's corporate headquarters in suburban Atlanta, GA. Tigges will supervise an initial staff of two, including a French-speaking consumer service representative.

Special original equipment customers, other than global companies, will be managed by Hella Inc. - Canada. Supplies will continue to be shipped from Hella's warehouses in Mississauga and Peachtree City, GA.

"Together with our team of sales agents, we expect this development to substantially improve our market penetration and customer service in Canada," Benz adds.

For more information about Hella, go to: www.hella.com .

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