Panel to Address China’s Effect on U.S. Manufacturing
A panel of industry and trade representatives will address China’s effect on U.S. manufacturing during the MEMA Legislative and Public Policy Summit: Advancing American Manufacturing, which will be held on Thursday, May 5-6 in Washington, D.C.
Dana Cuts 75 Jobs at Northern Indiana Plant
Auto-parts supplier Dana Corp. said it will lay off about 75 workers at a plant in northern Indiana that cuts and assembles axle components. The job cuts — about half the remaining work force — will leave about 80 jobs at the plant in Syracuse, Ind., said Dana spokesman Gary Corrigan.
PPG Succeeds in Federal Court Against Refinish Components
PPG Automotive Refinish has won a major battle in the fight against illegally imported paint products. On February 18, the U.S. Federal District Court in Atlanta found John Malyon and Original Direct, both of Conyers, Ga., to be in contempt of court for violating a previous order enjoining them from selling illegally imported PPG paint and circumventing PPG’s authorized distribution network.
Experts to Discuss Asia-Pacific Aftermarket Opportunities at GAAS
The ninth annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) will look into aftermarket opportunities in what many consider the hottest region of the world, the Asia-Pacific region, during a panel discussion on Tuesday, May 18. The panel will examine the rewards and challenges of doing business in the region — especially China and India — two of the largest and fastest-growing markets.
Aftermarket Suppliers: Be Aware of Legal Implications Related to Current Business, Industry Practices
Automotive aftermarket product manufacturers should review corporate internal and business policies with their company attorneys to assure compliance with Robinson-Patman and Sarbanes-Oxley laws, according to recent presentations to aftermarket executives sponsored by the MEMA Financial Services Group (MFSG). MFSG held the meeting for aftermarket supplier executives to discuss issues arising from current industry practices in regard to the laws passed by Congress.
SMMC to Discuss Tips for Increasing Brand Recognition
Bob Schaffer of Integrated Marketing Solutions will lead a discussion on increasing brand recognition at the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) Small & Medium Manufacturers Council (SMMC). The meeting is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, April 28, at American Axle in Detroit, Mich., and also on Thursday, April 29, at the Doubletree Hotel O’Hare Rosemont, Chicago.
Sell-Out Inventory Management Seminar Shows Industry’s Interest in Topic
The University of the Aftermarket’s Inventory Management Seminar, held March 8-9, drew a sell-out crowd, revealing the topic’s high interest to the industry. The event was hosted by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the aftermarket segment association of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). The seminar gave participants a better understanding of the fundamentals of inventory control management and the purchasing process. Major areas of focus were distribution center inventory management, store inventory management and supply chain inventory management.
NHTSA’s Runge, Continental Teves’ Kozyra to Speak at Automotive Suppliers’ Legislative and Public Policy Summit
Dr. Jeffrey Runge, administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), will be joined by William Kozyra, president and CEO of Continental Teves North America, on Thursday, May 6, for a discussion on automotive safety, at the MEMA Legislative and Public Policy Summit: Advancing American Manufacturing, in Washington, D.C. Runge and Kozyra will discuss such topics as NHTSA’s and Congress’ views toward encouraging voluntary industry guidelines vs. mandates and how industry and government should address innovation and technology out-pacing regulation.
Collins & Aikman Ends Inquiry, Shares Rise
Collins & Aikman Corp. on Thursday said it completed an internal accounting inquiry and will not restate previously issued financial statements, sending its shares up 18 percent. The company also said its fourth-quarter loss more than tripled to nearly $10 million. Last August, the Troy, Mich., company said it was investigating business transactions between the company and two of its directors, just days after its CEO resigned.
White House Ready to Name Manufacturing Czar
The Bush administration is likely to name Anthony Raimondo, chairman and CEO of Behlen Manufacturing Co. in Columbus, Neb., as its manufacturing czar as early as today, reports Reuters. One of his chief functions will be to help recover some 2.5 million manufacturing jobs lost since early 2001.