Steelworkers Strike Against BFGoodrich in Ontario
More than 1,000 members of the Steelworkers union are on strike against Michelin-owned BFGoodrich Tires in Kitchener, Ontario. United Steelworkers’ Ontario/Atlantic Director Wayne Fraser said the local union’s negotiators worked over the weekend with a Ministry of Labor mediator to try to reach a settlement.
Pirelli Names VP of Advertising, PR and Motorsports
Pirelli Tire North America (PTNA) has appointed Peter Tyson vice president, advertising, public relations and motorsports. Tyson was hired by Pirelli UK as director of marketing in 1984 and helped revitalize the then-ailing Pirelli brand. In 1993, Tyson was promoted to the position of director of global brand support at Pirelli Pneumatici S.p.A.
Actron Manufacturing Appoints New VP of Marketing and Business Development
Actron Manufacturing Co. has named Dave Schaar to the newly created position of vice president of marketing and business development. In this new position, he will be responsible for Actron’s overall marketing and business growth opportunities as well as the company’s new product development. He will also manage Actron’s business initiatives in the state emission inspection markets.
CARDONE Enters New Parts Market
CARDONE Industries, a leader in automobile parts remanufacturing, has entered the new automotive parts market. Leveraging three decades of automobile parts remanufacturing experience, CARDONE is now offering a line of new manufactured parts, under the brand name CARDONE Select. Every CARDONE Select part will be 100 percent new.
American Axle & Manufacturing Appoints New CFO
American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. (AAM) has appointed Thomas Martin to the position of vice president of finance and CFO. Martin replaces former AAM Executive Vice President and CFO Robin Adams, who left the company in April to become executive vice president, CFO and chief administrative officer at BorgWarner.
Ford to Pay $10 Million in Asbestos Case
A southeast Texas jury awarded $10 million in damages Friday to the family of a woman who died of a lung disease after being exposed to asbestos dust in her father’s clothing. The Brazoria County jury deliberated about eight hours before ordering Ford Motor Co. to pay $4.5 million to the estate of Carolyn Miller, who died of mesothelioma in 2000 at the age of 54.
Nextel Debuts TV Spots with Gordon and Kenseth
Nextel Communications entered into the second phase of its NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series advertising campaign on Sunday, May 30, during the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte, N.C. Nextel unveiled two television spots featuring series champions Jeff Gordon and Matt Kenseth and their No. 24 and No. 17 racing teams, respectively.
Honeywell CPG Launches New Line of Cap and Thermostat Products
Honeywell Consumer Products Group (CPG) has taken steps to increase its role as a “one-stop shop” for its customers with its introduction into the cap and thermostat market through its FRAM and Prestone brands. Honeywell CPG now offers a complete line of value, mid-grade and premium thermostat and cap products. CSK and Murray’s will begin rolling out the new line this month.
57th Annual AWDA-AAIA Business/Education Conference Announced
Planning is nearly complete for the 57th Annual AWDA-AAIA Business/Education Conference. The conference is scheduled for Oct. 31 through Nov. 6.
Raytech President and CEO Albert Canosa to Retire
Raytech Corp. President and CEO Albert Canosa has announced he will retire effective June 1. Canosa worked for Raytech for 24 years. He became president and CEO in 1998 and served as the company’s CFO from 1986 to 1998. The board has named Larry Singleton as interim president and CEO.
Former Goodyear Exec Named Alcoa Cast Auto Wheels President
Former Goodyear executive Kevin Kramer has been named president of Alcoa’s Cast Auto Wheels division. In this role, Kramer will be responsible for the development and growth of Alcoa’s cast auto wheel business worldwide. Kramer comes to Alcoa after a 21-year career with Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. in Akron, Ohio, where he most recently served as vice president Original Equipment Sales, North American Tires.
Ken-Tool Receives Safety Award from Forging Industry
Ken-Tool, a manufacturer of specialty service tools for the automotive and industrial markets, has been awarded a first place award for safety by the Forging Industry Association. Ken-Tool’s plant in Akron, Ohio, received the award, which is presented to the forging company with the best OSHA illness and safety record during the award year. During 2003, Ken-Tool had no recordable or lost time accidents.