Since its founding in Mooresville, North Carolina, in 1988, NGK Ceramics USA has expanded more than 15 times over the last 30 years. One of eight subsidiaries in the Ceramics Products Division, the company makes ceramic substrates for catalytic converters, which clean the exhaust emissions of cars and trucks.
The Japanese parent company NGK Insulators Ltd., selected North Carolina for its site because of the state’s location near other players in the same industry and the proximity to raw materials used in the product.
“We chose this location because of its strategic fit with our operations. And as we celebrate our 30th year here, I can confirm that North Carolina has been essential to our success,” said NGK Ceramics USA President Steve Dailey, who has been with the company from day one and has seen staff grow from three to 900.
“The journey NGK Ceramics USA had is astounding. It took us two years before we finalized our process and started selling products. Now, we recently produced our 300 millionth substrate,” Dailey also said.
Apart from North Carolina’s business-friendly environment, talented workforce and good quality of life, NGK Ceramics USA also attributes its success to the vote of confidence from its parent company, which is celebrating its centenary anniversary in 2019.
“I’m the first non-Japanese president in this division of NGK. The trust that they gave me to run this facility is something that I’m grateful for,” Dailey said.
As the market for ceramic substrates continues to grow because of stricter global emission standards, NGK Ceramics USA remains dedicated to developing better products.
“We are now seeing a new substrate, called the gasoline particulate filter. It is expected to enter the U.S. market by 2025. Our aim is to convince our headquarters that we are the logical place to make that new product,” Dailey said.
“We are continually strengthening our people, products and systems as the industry evolves. We’re ready to leap into the future to continue our success story for the next 30 years,” Dailey added.