3M Automotive Aftermarket Division Announces Partnership With West Coast Customs

3M’s Automotive Aftermarket Division has announced a partnership agreement to become the official refinishing products provider for West Coast Customs and car customizer Ryan Friedlinghaus. Operating out of a new 60,000-square-foot facility in Burbank, California, West Coast Customs has built a reputation as one of the foremost custom car shops in the world.

Friedlinghaus, founder and CEO of West Coast Customs, started his car customization shop in 1993 with a $5,000 loan from his grandfather. Since then, he has turned his company int”o an international lifestyle brand. From television shows like MTV’s “Pimp My Ride,” to TLC’s Street Customs,” to his current show “West Coast Customs,” now in its third season on FS2, Friedlinghaus has been able to showcase the cars his shop produces to a worldwide audience.

His reputation for fine work also has attracted high-profile clientele, ranging from pro athletes, actors and musicians to Fortune 100 corporations and royalty. West Coast Customs produces hundreds of original design builds yearly.

“Ryan Friedlinghaus and West Coast Customs have always been known for stunning work and innovative, original designs, and like 3M, impeccable quality and cutting-edge technology,” said Dale Ross, U.S. marketing operations manager, 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division. “We look forward to working with West Coast Customs to share how our products and solutions are essential for any automotive project, from simple customizations to complete rebuilds.”

3M refinishing products, including abrasives, masking, body fillers and glazes, adhesives, coatings and sealants, paint finishing, spray paint guns for primer and sealer applications and paint cup products, are now the official products of West Coast Customs.

“We have always been longtime users of 3M products,” said Friedlinghaus. “We are excited to turn our relationship into a true partnership. We look forward to having them as part of the West Coast Customs family and using their amazing products and solutions on all of our projects.”

Federated Auto Parts Distributors announced it is entering into a collaboration with the Association of Independent Oil Distributors (AIOD) – one it said will focus on mutual benefits for the respective members.

“Federated is constantly looking at ways to improve value for all constituents and this agreement provides that,” said Sue Godschalk, president of Federated. “This collaboration provides added volume and opportunities for our suppliers, new partners for our members, and added supply points and products for shop customers. We have enjoyed working closely with several AIOD members in the past and this agreement will expand and create further opportunities for both Federated and AIOD.”