Dana and GETRAG Sign Joint-Venture Agreement with Volvo
A recently formed joint venture company between Dana and GETRAG has signed an agreement with Volvo Car Corp. (VCC) to purchase a 60-percent interest in VCC’s operations in Koping, Sweden. The resulting joint venture with VCC will be known as GETRAG All Wheel Drive AB, a Dana/GETRAG Co. The company will produce all-wheel-drive (AWD) and chassis systems and components for passenger cars and sport-utility vehicles.
Beck/Arnley Wins Award from the Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence
Beck/Arnley has been named winner of the 2003 Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence (TNCPE) Achievement Award. TNCPE recognizes organizations that have demonstrated the highest standards of excellence in practices and achievements. The program utilizes the Criteria for Performance Excellence established by the Baldrige National Quality Program as the evaluation tool.Beck/Arnley, headquartered in Smyrna, Tenn., is one of eight organizations being honored at the advanced level with the 2003 Achievement Award.
Bridgestone Americas’ Lampe To Retire
John Lampe, chairman, CEO and president of Bridgestone Americas Holding, who led the company’s remarkable recovery after devastating tire recalls in late 2000 and early 2001, announced today that he is retiring effective Mar. 31. He will be succeeded as chairman and CEO of BAH by Mark Emkes, currently chairman, CEO and president of Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire (BFNAT). Lampe announced his retirement this afternoon during a company-wide live Web cast and conference call. In addition, Lampe and Emkes granted Tire Review an exclusive in-depth interview about the retirement and the company’s future plans earlier this morning.
Hawk Corp. Announces Restructuring Plan
Hawk Corp. has initiated a new plan to focus on its two primary business segments — friction products and precision components, in an effort to improve the company’s global competitive cost position and support long-term growth initiatives in these segments. As part of the repositioning plan the company intends to achieve cost savings at its friction products segment by moving operations at its Brook Park, Ohio, location to a new U.S. production facility. Hawk also said it plans to sell its motor segment and engage the services of an investment banker to advise the company as it reviews strategic alternatives relating to Hawk’s Tex Racing business unit.
Tenneco Automotive’s Walker Brand Launches Program to Boost Shops’ Exhaust Margins
Tenneco Automotive, manufacturer and marketer of Walker exhaust products, has launched a new product marketing and merchandising initiative designed to help shops recapture lost margins. At the heart of the program is an all-new Walker premium replacement muffler – the Quiet-Flow3 – which the company says delivers the precise sound, fit and guaranteed durability that is preferred by owners of late-model domestic and import vehicles.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tesma International Completes Acquisition of Davis Industries
Tesma International has completed its acquisition of Davis Industries. Tesma announced its intention to acquire all outstanding shares of the privately-held automotive supplier in mid-December. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. According to Tesma, Davis’ main product focus, in the area of stamped powertrain components and assemblies, will complement and broaden Tesma’s current product offerings and customer base.