Airtex Plant Facing Strike
Talks between Airtex Products and the United Auto Workers Local 543 failed to produce an agreement Thursday night, resulting in a strike at the company’s three auto parts plants in Fairfield, Ill. The five-year contract expired at midnight Thursday without an agreement, affecting 539 hourly union members.
Cooper Tools to Stop Making Certain Products, Plans to Lay Off 130
The Cooper Tools division of Houston-based Cooper Industries Ltd. said Thursday it will stop making certain products within its screwdriver bits and socket lines, and will lay off 130 out of 265 employees from its Dayton operation. The Dayton location makes the high-end industrial product line of Apex screwdriver bits and sockets, primarily for automotive and general industry fastening applications, and the Apex universal joint product line serving aerospace and military applications.
AAPEX Organizers Warn: Counterfeiters Beware
While automotive trade shows can be a bonanza for counterfeiters of replacement parts, organizers of the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX), which takes place Nov. 2-5, in Las Vegas, warn firms that make or sell fake parts to watch out. AAPEX has a long standing policy to take action against counterfeiting, according to Bill Glasgow of AAPEX show management company W.T. Glasgow Inc.
PERA 59th Annual Convention to be Held in Newport Beach, California
The 59th Annual Production Engine Remanufacturers Association’s (PERA) Convention will take place Sept. 29 – Oct. 2, at The Sutton Place Hotel in Newport Beach, Calif. On Oct. 1, Kathleen Schmatz, president of AAIA, will present the Keynote Address, and will discuss “The Current State of the Automotive Aftermarket.”
Bosch Selected as Preferred Spark Plug Supplier by National Pronto Association
Robert Bosch Corp. has been named the exclusive Preferred Spark Plug Supplier by Justin, Texas-based National Pronto Association. “Bosch is extremely pleased to receive this prestigious appointment from Pronto,” noted David Coolidge, Bosch vice president, Aftermarket Sales and Supply Chain Management. “Pronto is a key player in the growing programmed distribution group channel, and Bosch is eager to provide the highest level of sales and marketing support to ensure a successful partnership.”
iATN and ASA to Co-Host Automotive Service Professionals Reception During AAIW
The International Automotive Technicians’ Network (iATN) and the Automotive Service Association (ASA) will jointly sponsor the third annual Service Professionals Industry Reception from 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m. on Nov. 4 in the Sunset Ballroom of the Flamingo Las Vegas. According to Brent Black, iATN founder and president, the reception now brings together more service professionals than any other single event during Industry Week.
Town Hall at AAPEX To Tackle Auto Repair Image
“Repairing the Auto Repair Image” will be the theme of this year’s Town Hall, which takes place on Nov. 3 during AAPEX in Las Vegas. NASCAR is the official sponsor of the popular breakfast event. Six individuals, representing a new car dealer, the world’s largest motorist membership organization, an independent shop owner, a retailer and manufacturers will comprise the panel on stage at the Town Hall breakfast event, according to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).
AASA Partners with American Express Tax and Business Services to Co-Sponsor Automotive Aftermarket Executives Roundtable
American Express Tax and Business Services (TBS) announced that MEMA’s Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) will co-sponsor the bi-annual Automotive Aftermarket Executives Roundtable on September 29, 2004 in Detroit, Mich., and September 30, 2004 in Chicago, Ill. The discussion will focus on A China Update: How to Succeed and will specifically cover current conditions, determining where are you in the world, knowing when to seek help, major business mistakes, developing a positive business relationship, communicating amongst your locations and tax planning.
Dura-Bond Wins Vendor of the Year Award
Dura-Bond Bearing Co. was recently awarded “Vendor of the Year” status from Engine & Performance Warehouse in Denver, Colo. Based in Carson City, Nev., Dura-Bond is a division of MEPC, a joint venture company between Melling Engine Parts and Engine Power Components.
Doddridge Resigns From Intermet Board of Directors
Former Intermet Corp. Chairman John Doddridge has announced his resignation from the company’s board of directors, effective August 1, in order to devote more time to other business and personal interests. Doddridge stepped down as CEO of Intermet in July of 2003 and retired as chairman in July of this year. The company announced on July 15, 2004, CEO Gary Ruff had been elected to the additional post of chairman.
Timken Earns Product Training Award
CANTON, Ohio — The Timken Co. recently won the Manufacturer Product Training Award from Progressive Distributor magazine in recognition of its Distributor Training School. Established nearly 50 years ago, Timken’s Distributor Training School travels throughout the U.S. and Canada each year teaching industrial distributors and end-users about the basic types of bearings, how and where
Timken Earns Product Training Award
The Timken Co. recently won the Manufacturer Product Training Award from Progressive Distributor magazine in recognition of its Distributor Training School. Established nearly 50 years ago, Timken’s Distributor Training School travels throughout the U.S. and Canada each year teaching industrial distributors and end-users about the basic types of bearings, how and where they are used and proper installation and maintenance practices.