The Engines and Power Products Division of Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. announced today the hiring of JJ Zeilstra to the position of government relations manager. Zeilstra will have primary responsibility for directing the division’s government relations activities and ensuring that Kawasaki products meet all applicable requirements.
The new manager will oversee the division’s compliance with all U.S. laws and regulations that affect its general use engine products. Part of that responsibility will include close interaction with the Engine Products Engineering Group at Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. in Japan and Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp., U.S.A., which manages two production facilities in Marysville, MO, and Lincoln, NE.
Zeilstra will evaluate proposed legislation that can affect Kawasaki product categories and will formulate appropriate responses to them in conjunction with the engineering staff. He will also represent the division in ongoing technical committee activities at industry organizations, such as the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI).
Part of the overall process will involve participation in the standards development process with organizations such as Society of Automobile Engineers— where he holds a membership—American Standards Institute, International Standards Organization, and Underwriters Laboratories. All divisional product testing with government agencies and independent test laboratories will be coordinated by Zeilstra.
A graduate of Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Zeilstra holds a Master’s in Science and Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from University of Michigan.
Prior to his most recent position at Kubota Engine America, he was employed by General Motors Powertrain and Powerix Technologies, LLC. He also has a fundamental knowledge of both French and German languages.
