Democrats Raise Alert About ‘Manufacturing Czar’ Post
A Nebraska businessman whom President Bush wanted to nominate for the job of ”manufacturing czar” has withdrawn from consideration amid attacks from Democrats. Anthony Raimondo said he would not be a candidate for the position as Democratic organizations began e-mailing reporters that Raimondo had laid off workers in Nebraska and opened a plant in China. Two administration officials confirmed that Raimondo bowed out. One administration source said the withdrawal had nothing to do with the ”baseless” Democratic attacks.
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.
Tenneco Automotive Names Timothy Donovan as New Director
Timothy Donovan has been elected to Tenneco Automotive’s board of directors. Donovan is executive vice president, managing director of Tenneco Automotive’s International Group and general counsel. Donovan joined Tenneco Automotive as senior vice president and general counsel in August 1999.
Foreign Countries Try to Lure Auto Jobs
Luis Salazar’s booth is one of the largest at the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress, with four columns, flags and several comfortable leather chairs. But with space that rivals General Motors Corp.’s and Ford Motor Co.’s exhibits, Salazar isn’t pushing cool 21st-century technology, sensors or car parts — he’s pushing Mexico. If you have jobs, the Mexican deputy trade commissioner has plenty of land, workers and a proven track record with the auto industry to offer.
Aftermarket Symposium Panel To Discuss Upcoming Underhood Trends for 2010
A panel of automotive aftermarket suppliers will discuss “Under the Hood Car Trends/Future 2010” at the ninth annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS). GAAS 2004 is set for Tuesday and Wednesday, May 18-19, at the Hyatt Regency, Chicago. The panel will take place at 9:15 a.m. on Tuesday, May 18.
Aftermarket Symposium Panel To Discuss Upcoming Underhood Trends for 2010
A panel of automotive aftermarket suppliers will discuss “Under the Hood Car Trends/Future 2010” at the ninth annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS). GAAS 2004 is set for Tuesday and Wednesday, May 18-19, at the Hyatt Regency, Chicago. The panel will take place at 9:15 a.m. on Tuesday, May 18.
Auto Part Suppliers Study Jobs
Automotive jobs will continue to leave Michigan, but there are remedies, says a report on the future of manufacturing to be delivered today at the opening session of the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress in Cobo Center in Detroit. The U.S. is expected to see an 11 percent drop in its automotive production jobs by 2010, according to “The Odyssey of the Auto Industry” a study conducted by Roland Berger Strategy Consultants for the Original Equipment Suppliers Association.
PPG Announces Management Assignments
PPG Industries has announced two management assignments. Reg Norton, director of global manufacturing and supply chain for PPG’s automotive refinish business unit, has been appointed global director, environment, health and safety, effective April 1. He will replace David Cannon Jr., vice president, environment, health and safety, who is leaving the company on March 31. Lynne Schmidt, director of government affairs, will be promoted to vice president, government and community affairs, and executive director of the PPG Industries Foundation, effective July 1.
Bendix Brakes Expands Partnership with Pedregon Racing
Honeywell’s Bendix brakes has renewed its associate sponsorship with former Funny Car champion Cruz Pedregon for the 2004 NHRA POWERade drag racing series season. The brand has also expanded its involvement with the team by becoming an associate sponsor on 2003 Funny Car Champion Tony Pedregon’s Quaker State Funny Car.
Hankook Premiers New Corporate Identity Program
Hankook Tire Co. unveiled a new corporate identity program during a recent presentation at its headquarters in Seoul, Korea. The new look is the latest in a series of strategic moves to build the company’s global image as a leading manufacturer and marketer of tires.