Tops in our round-up of the week’s most popular news, we learn that the Automotive Distribution Network has headed west. The Tennesee-based program group announced it has signed its second Los Angeles-based Parts Plus member in the past month with the addition of Undercar Plus and Certified Undercar, a combined business entity operating nine locations throughout the L.A. area. This latest addition comes on the heels U.S. Auto Force joining the Network’s membership roster earlier this month.
Also highly read this week was the announcement that Brake Parts Inc., located in McHenry, Ill., has been assigned a patent (D640, 620) for the design of its Raybestos brand R-300 disc brake rotor. Raybestos is a part of the Affinia Group family of brands. According to Affinia, the newly patented “S-Groove” slot design delivers improved pedal feel and increased pad life. Drivers using the R-300 rotor experience stronger bite without having to sacrifice smooth braking, the company says. Listed on the patent is George J. Bielis IV of Ringwood, Ill., William V. Roberts of Crystal Lake, Ill., and Rick Woodside of Lake Geneva, Wis.
Our Executive Interview series is always popular with AMN readers and this week was no exception. In this latest interview, readers learned more about Mike Kitching and the business he founded with his father, GB Remanufacturing, which is celebrating its 25th year in business in 2011. In the interview, Kitching chronicles GB’s history and talks about where the company is headed.
And in more people news, this week the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association introduced its slate of officers and board of directors for 2011-2012. Bob Egan, vice president, customer relations for the global aftermarket for Federal-Mogul, will serve as chairman for the 2011-2012 term. Five new members joined the board as well.
In other personnel news, WAIglobal has announced the addition of Michael Grimes to its team as a director of aftermarket business development. Grimes has more than 19 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket, including time spent as general manager of Nissens North American Operations as well as sales and sales management positions with Dorman Products and Tenneco Automotive.
