Executive Interview with Jim Taylor, CEO of Thomas Group
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Jim Taylor, CEO of the Thomas Group. Taylor joined the Thomas Group in 2001 as vice president and CFO. From 1997 to 2001, Taylor served as president of the Chancellor Group, a Dallas, Texas, management consulting firm, where he assisted companies in restructuring, raising funds and completing initial public offerings. Join us as Taylor tells us more about the Thomas Group culture and how it works for its clients.
High Schoolers Earn Certifications from Industry
A diploma isn’t the only important document that some students have in hand when they graduate from high school these days. A growing number of students, educators say, are graduating with specific, industry-defined skills certifications that can have immediate value in the job market. Industries in which such certification is available include computer maintenance, automotive repair, nursing, graphic arts and food service.
ArvinMeritor Honors Outstanding Achievements in Engineering
ArvinMeritor has announced the winners of its 2003 Engineer of the Year and Manufacturing Engineer of the Year awards. The awards, presented at ceremonies on Feb. 5, in Detroit, Mich., recognize those engineers or scientists who have made significant and innovative technological contributions to ArvinMeritor, its customers and the automobile industry.
General Parts to Offer AutoComLink Suite of Software Products
Automotive replacement parts distributor General Parts Inc. has announced a merger with Automotive Communications Link Inc., a provider of business management software for automotive repair professionals. Automotive Communications Link does business under the name “AutoComLink.” Through the merger, General Parts will offer AutoComLink products, which includes an Internet-based auto parts ordering application (EZ2LINK), a repair estimator system (EZ2Estimate) and a business and inventory management system for automotive repair facilities (POWERLINK).
ATP-Inc. to Produce Illustrated Parts Catalog Internally Using e-Publisher
The e-Publisher catalog management system from Vertical Development Inc. (VDI) has given replacement parts supplier ATP-Inc. the capability to generate illustrated parts lists and catalogs internally, bypassing traditional typesetting and desktop publishing services. According to VDI, the system will also allow ATP to produce literature faster and export data mapped in industry-standard formats.
Lund International Announces Two Executive Appointments
Lund International has promoted Bob Schuetz to vice president of aftermarket sales. Schuetz joined Lund in October 2003 in the newly created position of vice president of new business development. Lund has also announced the appointment of John Whitten as director of sales engineering. Whitten brings with him 11 years of quality and product engineering, most recently working in automotive accessories on a contract basis for General Motors and DaimlerChrysler.
ASA Chief Staff Executive Addresses Consumer, Insurer Issues on Two CBS Programs
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) and its Chief Staff Executive Ron Pyle played a significant role in two CBS programs that addressed the issue of insurer-owned body shops. Pyle was recently interviewed at ASA’s headquarters in Bedford, Texas, and appeared Wednesday, Feb. 11, on the “CBS Evening News” during its “Eye on America” segment. On Thursday, Feb. 12, Pyle provided follow-up coverage on this issue when he was interviewed again by CBS during an appearance on “The Early Show.”
MACS 2004 Convention Breaks Records
The MACS 24th annual convention and trade show, which took place in January, is reported to have broken all of MACS’ previous convention records for attendance. Registration for the event reached 2,026 this year. In addition, 41 companies participated in the society’s most generous sponsorship ever and 148 organizations exhibited in 243 booths. The MACS technical program unfolded over three days and featured 67 speakers. Five social events provided time for industry networking.
“DST Asks”: What Do You Look For In a Computerized Business Management System?
Technology is breaking down the barriers that once hindered our ability to process and share information efficiently. As our industry taps into the power of new technologies, those businesses that adopt and embrace them sooner rather than later will realize new efficiencies and bottom-line improvements while simultaneously setting the revised standards of successful business operation. Those standards will be the benchmarks of competitive advantage that will steer the future of the industry.
Siemens VDO Automotive to Acquire Chrysler Group’s Huntsville Electronics Operations
Siemens VDO Automotive Electronics Corp. has signed an agreement to acquire Chrysler Group’s electronics operation located in Huntsville, Ala. The facility produces automotive electronics products for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge products and generates approximately $1 billion in sales. Details of the transaction have not been disclosed. Situated on a 180-acre site, Huntsville Electronics is composed of two plants operating two shifts daily. The first plant opened in 1977 and is 232,000 square feet. The second plant opened in 1988 and encompasses 849,000 square feet. Currently, operations in Huntsville employ more than 2,000 people who are represented by the UAW.