AASA to Host University of the Aftermarket’s Inventory Management Seminar
Gain a better understanding of the fundamentals of inventory control management and the purchasing process by attending the University of the Aftermarket’s Inventory Management Seminar. The event is set for Monday and Tuesday, March 8-9, at MEMA’s Research Triangle Park, N.C., headquarters and will be hosted by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA).
Nearly 35,000 Manufacturing Professionals Expected at National Manufacturing Week
Nearly 35,000 manufacturing professionals from more than 10,000 companies are expected at National Manufacturing Week (NMW), scheduled to take place Monday, Feb. 23, through Thursday, Feb. 26, in Chicago. The event is organized by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). The latest in innovative manufacturing technologies and processes will be featured at the event. NMW’s six shows cover design engineering; plant engineering and facilities management; industrial automation; enterprise IT; technology and cleaning technology.
Automotive Market Research Council Begins 2004 Light Duty Aftermarket Forecasting Project
The Light Duty Aftermarket Committee of the Automotive Market Research Council (AMRC) has begun research for its annual aftermarket product forecasting project. The project gathers market information, both in dollars and units, for 11 different product lines and systems. Each year the light duty aftermarket project establishes demand trends by product line and for the light duty aftermarket overall, including a three-year dollar forecast by product and a review of market issues impacting sales.
Protecting Intellectual Property: OESA Forum for Suppliers
Suppliers struggling with protecting Intellectual Property (IP) can attend the OESA Model Terms and Conditions Workshop on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at The Crowne Plaza Hotel, Romulus, Mich. The OESA Model Terms and Conditions document represents a fair and balanced relationship between buyers and sellers that addresses issues in a fair and equitable manner. The hands-on forum will enable suppliers to discuss the various provisions within the model terms and engage in general dialogue regarding industry terms and conditions. There are four concurrent sessions.
Ex-Visteon Employees File Suit
More than 50 former employees of Visteon Corp. have filed a lawsuit against the $18-billion auto-parts supplier, claiming that the company conned them into signing non-negotiable separation agreements that they later learned were negotiable for more compensation. The multimillion-dollar suit, filed last week in the U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Michigan, says that Visteon presented 54 workers with separation contracts in April 2001 after the Dearborn, Mich.-based company announced that it would cut its white-collar workforce.
Tenneco Automotive Announces Executive Appointment, Establishes Commercial Vehicle Segment Business Unit
Lois Boyd has been appointed vice president and general manager of Tenneco Automotive’s commercial vehicle segment and global program management. In her new role, Boyd will be responsible for the company’s growth in the commercial vehicle business. She will direct efforts to leverage Tenneco’s global engineering and manufacturing strengths to expand the business with commercial vehicle customers and in new specialty markets.
Roush Acquires Mountune Racing
As part of its strategy to expand its European engineering operations Roush has acquired England-based Mountune Racing Limited. The company said this acquisition will also address the growing demand for small-displacement, high-performance engines in the U.S. Mountune Racing will become a wholly owned division of Roush, and will be located within Roush’s Brentwood, England, facility.
Hayes Lemmerz Announces Agreement with Strick
Hayes Lemmerz International’s commercial highway division has reached a new supply agreement with Strick Corp. Hayes Lemmerz will supply 100 percent of all standard, non-specified, wheel end components for Strick in 2004 and 2005. This includes CentruMount steel wheels, cast hub and drums and Centrifuse brake drums.
SKF/CR Launches New Online Catalog
SKF/Chicago Rawhide has launched a new online catalog of bearings and seals for car and light truck applications. The online catalog is capable of searching by application, part number or by a manufacturers’ part number. Once a part is selected, a separate screen appears showing an image of the part, as well as the specifications and properties of the part. According to SKF, the online catalog offers the most up-to-date product information and also eliminates the use of printed materials.
Johnson Controls Renews Sponsorship of Rocketsports Racing in Champ Car World Series
Johnson Controls is continuing its sponsorship of Lansing, Mich.-based Rocketsports Racing in the 2004 Champ Car World Series. Brian Kesseler, group vice president and general manager of customer business units for the automotive group of Johnson Controls, and Rocketsports team owner, Paul Gentilozzi announced their return to the premier open-wheel racing series with plans for the upcoming season.
Timken to Sponsor ‘Engineer of the Year’ Award
Timken has announced it will sponsor the Design News “Engineer of the Year” award at the National Design Engineering Show. The award, voted on by readers of Design News, will be presented at a banquet in February at McCormick Place in Chicago. Established in 1987, the Engineer of the Year award recognizes the individuals behind significant developments in the field of engineering. It is the top honor presented at the show, which is part of National Manufacturing Week from Feb. 23-26, 2004. Design News is a trade magazine covering mechanical and electromechanical design engineering.
Eaton Plans Joint Venture with Chinese Auto A/C Maker
Eaton Corp. has formed a joint venture with Chinese A/C maker Changzhou Senstar Automobile Air Conditioner Co. Ltd. The two companies will produce automotive air conditioning hose and tube assemblies and power steering hose and tube assemblies in Shanghai for Volkswagen’s China operations. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.