White House Ready to Name Manufacturing Czar
The Bush administration is likely to name Anthony Raimondo, chairman and CEO of Behlen Manufacturing Co. in Columbus, Neb., as its manufacturing czar as early as today, reports Reuters. One of his chief functions will be to help recover some 2.5 million manufacturing jobs lost since early 2001.
German Auto Parts Makers Tour Southern U.S. Sites
Ten executives from German companies that serve the automotive industry are in Charlotte, N.C., and upstate South Carolina this week to investigate expansion sites. While rushing to expand in China, German automotive companies still consider the U.S. the most attractive market, in large part because BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Audi continue to increase sales here.
Linamar to Buy Out Wescast in Joint Venture; Reports Fourth Quarter Loss of $1.3 Million
Wescast Industries Inc. plans to sell its 50 percent stake in its European joint venture with Linamar Corp. to Linamar, the auto-parts makers announced Wednesday. The two companies were still negotiating the sale of Weslin Industries Inc., and did not provide any financial details of the transaction. In a conference call to discuss quarterly results, Linamar chief executive Linda Hasenfratz did not expect Weslin — a joint venture established in 1999 to manufacture iron automotive castings for the European market — would become profitable soon.
ASC Industries Launches Canadian Print Advertising Campaign
ASC Industries is expanding its international advertising reach through a new agreement with Canadian magazine publisher The Automotive Group, which focuses on the automotive aftermarket. ASC said it will concentrate its advertising in The Automotive Group’s warehouse distributor and technician-oriented publications: Jobber News and SSGM (Service Station and Garage Management).
Michelin North America Signs Supply Agreement with Pilot Travel Centers
Michelin North America has signed an agreement to serve as a preferred supplier of Michelin and BFGoodrich commercial truck tires for Pilot Travel Centers, one of the largest interstate travel center operations in the U.S. Michelin North America has signed an agreement to serve as a preferred supplier of Michelin and BFGoodrich commercial truck tires for Pilot Travel Centers, one of the largest interstate travel center operations in the U.S.
New Import Parts Specialist Certification Tests Available
Aftermarket firms can begin the new year with a competitive edge by encouraging employees and customers to take the newly updated Auto International Association (AIA) Import Parts Specialist and Master Import Parts Specialist certification tests. Better-trained counter personnel and service technicians are vital to ensuring quality repairs and satisfying import nameplate customers. These tests address the pressing need for professionals with knowledge and training to help drive improved sales and provide the best customer service to import nameplate owners.
American Tire Distributors Adds to Team of Equipment Specialists
American Tire Distributors has added to its team of equipment specialists with the recent hiring of Ralph Bachemin. Bachemin, who joined American Tire Distributors in January, handles automotive equipment sales and service for the company’s Mobile, Ala., distribution center, covering Southern regions of Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. Bachemin joins a network of approximately 45 equipment specialists employed by American Tire Distributors across the U.S. who assist dealers in establishing and maintaining a productive automotive services shop.
U.S. Steel Production May Be Hampered by Damage
U.S. Steel Corp. confirmed that it might not be able to produce about 50,000 tons of steel for its automotive customers at its Great Lakes plant in Ecorse after one of its huge steelmaking containers was damaged Friday. John Armstrong, a U.S. Steel spokesman, said the container, used to melt down scrap metal and iron ore, was shut down after liquefied metal began leaking through the container’s interior. No one was injured, and the company is investigating.
TIA Unveils New Logo for the TIA World Tire Expo
The Tire Industry Association (TIA) has unveiled a new logo for the TIA World Tire Expo, the conference and exhibition for the commercial tire, retreading and recycling industries. The event is scheduled to be held April 20-22, 2005, in Louisville, Ky. “The new WTE logo works with our logo to insure that the tire industry knows that TIA is running this international show geared towards the commercial, retreading and recycling segments of the market,” said Larry Morgan, president of TIA.
Dura Automotive Standardizes Manufacturing Operations
Dura Automotive Systems has announced it will standardize its North American manufacturing operations on QAD MFG/PRO eB2 and related applications. QAD Inc. is a provider of enterprise applications for global manufacturers. QAD Global Services will work together with Dura to provide consulting and implementation services. Dura will deploy MFG/PRO eB2 at nine production sites and upgrade 11 other locations in North America. Dura said it expects QAD applications will help streamline manufacturing and enterprise functions shared by multiple locations, enable more efficient financial management and accelerate information transfer along the supply chain.
AASA Creates New Aftermarket Council Forum for European Market Issues; Elects Leaders
The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) has established the European Automotive Aftermarket Manufacturers Council, a new discussion group for aftermarket executives heading their businesses’ European operations. The European Automotive Aftermarket Manufacturers Council will provide a forum for AASA members’ senior executives in Europe. The members will meet quarterly to discuss industry issues and solutions, share best practices and network with peers.
J.L. French Automotive Castings Announces Fourth Quarter and Year-End Results
J.L. French Automotive Castings has reported fourth-quarter revenues of $130.3 million for the period which ended December 31, 2003, compared to $136.7 million in the 2002 period.