ROCHESTER, MI — Yoshifumi Uneme (pictured at left with ETI’s Charlie Gorman) of Mazda Motor Corp. was awarded The Equipment and Tool Institute’s (ETI) 15th Founder’s Award at this year’s Japan Tech Week. As with most trade associations, ETI thrives on volunteerism from its members as well as its business partners. Unselfish dedication to the principles that drive ETI can also be demonstrated by individuals who work for the vehicle manufacturing community.

Uneme-san is the chairman of the ETI JAMA working Group. This JAMA committee interfaces with ETI and helps plan Japan Tech Weeks. According to ETI, he has always gone out of his way to help his OEM colleagues understand what information ETI members are asking for. When tensions rise he is always the calming voice that allows everyone to work out a solution. He has also been instrumental in explaining to ETI some of the nuances of the Japanese culture. He epitomizes the intent of ETI’s Founders Award.

Uneme-san graduated from the Nagoya Institute of Technology in 1982. Following graduation he joined Toyo Kogyo, now known as Mazda Motor Corp. While at Mazda he has worked in the overseas service and product planning areas. He also worked for Mazda of Canada Inc. in Toronto as assistant to the president. Since 2001 he has been general manager of the Vehicle Service & Program Department at Mazda Motor Corp. Also in 2001, he began his long tenure as chairman of the JAMA ETI working Group.

The ETI Founder’s Award was established in 1985 to honor those individuals who have made numerous contributions to the Institute.

For more information about ETI, go to: www.etools.org.