Our recap of the week’s top news begins with word that Uni-Select has sold out its North American convention. Billed to be a first of its kind in the industry, the event takes place Feb. 24-27 in Las Vegas, and will bring together both independent jobbers and shop owners from across North America for a tradeshow, as well as networking and educational opportunities.
In other news from the distribution sector this week, O’Reilly Automotive announced that it has opened its 4,000th store. O’Reilly celebrated the opening of the new location in Tampa, Fla., by hosting a daylong celebration of philanthropy, community and customers, on Saturday, Jan. 19.
Meanwhile, in the automotive repair segment this week, Meineke unveiled the first prototype for the "Meineke of the Future" in Charlotte, N.C. The new prototype, which merges Meineke and Econo Lube N’ Tune franchises as cobranded operations, is 5,334 square feet, larger than most existing Meineke and Econo Lube structures. It is Driven Brands’ first brick-and-mortar prototype combining the best of Meineke and Econo Lube operations, the company says.
Former Bosch Executive David Coolidge has been named CEO of Gearbox Holdings, a portfolio company of Monomoy Capital Partners. Coolidge will succeed current President and CEO Steven Crain, who will remain with the company as president and chief operating officer. Gearbox designs, manufactures and distributes a diversified portfolio of transmission, wet-wheel braking and steering components, under the Raybestos Powertrain, Allomatic and Steel Parts brands.
Last in our look back at the week’s top news, the 2013 installment of Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week reportedly saw a record turnout this year. Organizers for HDAW’13, held under the theme "Formula for Success – Focus on the Future," are reporting record-breaking exhibitor and distributor registration numbers, as well as a larger than expected group of registrants for the new SOLD! (Service Opportunities and Learning Day) program, marking an overall growth of 10 percent in the size of the conference in 2013 over last year. With nearly 430 booths reserved, HDAW organizers have confirmed that this year’s product expo was also the largest in conference history, selling out a month prior to the event.
