From Counterman.com: The Globalization of the Groups
It was bound to happen: Globalization has come to programmed distribution. Of course, it was just a matter of time, as the industry quickly moves in directions that increasingly point outside U.S. borders, sometimes across entire oceans.
Eaton Reports First Quarter Net Income Per Share Up 15 Percent
Eaton Corp. has announced net income per share of $1.56 for the first quarter of 2007, an increase of 15 percent over net income per share of $1.36 in the first quarter of 2006. Sales in the quarter were $3.2 billion, 5 percent above the same period in 2006 and a record for the first quarter. Net income was $234 million, also a record for the first quarter.
BASF Automotive Refinish to Host Discussion Panel in Southern California
In response to industry concerns regarding California’s upcoming regulation and environmental changes, BASF Automotive Refinish will host an invitation-only event in March. The event will focus on educating collision shops on the new regulations, informing them about the issues surrounding waterborne and low VOC products and providing them solutions from BASF.
Eilenberger Named BASF Marketing Director
BASF Automotive Refinish Solutions has appointed Darlene Eilenberger to marketing director, NAFTA. Eilenberger replaces Guy Bargnes, who has accepted the position of national sales director for the Refinish group. Eilenberger has been with BASF Automotive Refinish for 28 years, most recently as brand marketing manager, where she was the chief architect of the Refinish group’s North American strategic marketing plan. Eilenberger was also responsible for brand strategy and p rod uct management of BASF Refinish paint lines, including Glasurit, R-M and Limco.
Guy Bargnes Promoted to National Sales Director at BASF
BASF Automotive Refinish Solutions has announced the promotion of Guy Bargnes to national sales director. Bargnes will oversee all of BASF’s sales activities in the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean. Bargnes has been involved in the refinish industry his entire career, starting in his family’s paint distribution business and continuing to his most recent position as BASF’s NAFTA marketing director.
Superior Industries Names Margaret Dano and Francisco Uranga to Its Board of Directors
VAN NUYS, CA — Superior Industries International has announced the appointment of Margaret Dano and Francisco Uranga to the company’s board of directors. Dano and Uranga succeed Raymond Brown, former senior vice president of Superior and a board member since 1972, and Jack Parkinson, a board member since 1983, who resigned from the board on
Freightliner LLC Announces Construction of New Truck Manufacturing Plant in Mexico
PORTLAND, OR — Freightliner LLC has announced plans to construct a new $300 million truck manufacturing plant in Saltillo, Coahuila, in northern Mexico. Dedicated to the production of Freightliner and Sterling trucks, the new facility will provide additional capacity to accommodate Freightliner’s long-range product planning including an expected upturn in industry demand in 2009. Freightliner,
Behr America Opens New Plant in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico
Behr America, a global supplier of automotive air conditioning and engine-cooling systems, yesterday held grand opening ceremonies for its new $13 million plant in Ramos Arizpe, State of Coahuila. The new 130,000-square-foot plant will supply engine-cooling units for passenger cars and heavy-trucks to nearby automotive assembly plants in Mexico. It also will export some components to the United States. By 2010, it is expected to generate an estimated $110 million in annual sales.
Aldo Kamper Named Head of Osram Sylvania Automotive Group
Osram Sylvania today announced the appointment of Aldo Kamper as executive vice president and general manager for the NAFTA Region Automotive Lighting Division. Headquartered in Danvers, MA, Osram Sylvania is the North American operation of OSRAM GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of Siemens AG. In addition to heading up North American automotive operations, Kamper will oversee Osram Sylvania interests in Valeo Sylvania, a 50/50 joint venture with Valeo, and represent the Automotive group on the Osram Sylvania Executive Committee.
BASF to Present Educational Seminars at NACE 2006
SOUTHFIELD, MI – BASF will sponsor four educational seminars at NACE 2006. Part of an expanded collision-industry education program offered at NACE, the seminars will address topics of vital interest to collision repair businesses and jobbers. The seminars sponsored by BASF, and their presenters, are: • “What is Leadership? Understand how to implement and improve