Hawk Corp. Announces Restructuring Plan
Hawk Corp. has initiated a new plan to focus on its two primary business segments — friction products and precision components, in an effort to improve the company’s global competitive cost position and support long-term growth initiatives in these segments. As part of the repositioning plan the company intends to achieve cost savings at its friction products segment by moving operations at its Brook Park, Ohio, location to a new U.S. production facility. Hawk also said it plans to sell its motor segment and engage the services of an investment banker to advise the company as it reviews strategic alternatives relating to Hawk’s Tex Racing business unit.
Tenneco Automotive’s Walker Brand Launches Program to Boost Shops’ Exhaust Margins
Tenneco Automotive, manufacturer and marketer of Walker exhaust products, has launched a new product marketing and merchandising initiative designed to help shops recapture lost margins. At the heart of the program is an all-new Walker premium replacement muffler – the Quiet-Flow3 – which the company says delivers the precise sound, fit and guaranteed durability that is preferred by owners of late-model domestic and import vehicles.
Brake Parts Inc. Names VP of Sales for Branded Products
Brake Parts Inc. has promoted Mike Fiorito to the position of vice president of sales – branded products. As part of its continuing focus on customer relationship management, the company is combining the leadership of its branded sales groups, according to Charlie Westmoreland, senior vice president of sales.
Start Planning for National Car Care Month Now
For the second year, National Car Care Month will be held in April, providing tremendous opportunities to communicate with female consumers. That’s the word from the organizers of the Bluegrass Car Care Clinic in Lexington, Ky. For 15 years, the Professional Master Technician’s Association (PMTA) in Lexington, along with the Kentucky Indiana Automotive Wholesalers Association (KIAWA), have held vehicle check lane events during National Car Care Month (NCCM).
Nearly 35,000 Manufacturing Professionals Expected at National Manufacturing Week
Nearly 35,000 manufacturing professionals from more than 10,000 companies are expected at National Manufacturing Week (NMW), scheduled to take place Monday, Feb. 23, through Thursday, Feb. 26, in Chicago. The event is organized by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). The latest in innovative manufacturing technologies and processes will be featured at the event. NMW’s six shows cover design engineering; plant engineering and facilities management; industrial automation; enterprise IT; technology and cleaning technology.
Protecting Intellectual Property: OESA Forum for Suppliers
Suppliers struggling with protecting Intellectual Property (IP) can attend the OESA Model Terms and Conditions Workshop on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at The Crowne Plaza Hotel, Romulus, Mich. The OESA Model Terms and Conditions document represents a fair and balanced relationship between buyers and sellers that addresses issues in a fair and equitable manner. The hands-on forum will enable suppliers to discuss the various provisions within the model terms and engage in general dialogue regarding industry terms and conditions. There are four concurrent sessions.
Herman Trend Alert: What Some Recruiters Look For
As futurists, we are often asked by concerned parents what advice they should give to their children. What courses to take? Where will the jobs be in the future? Because of the speed of evolution of occupations and technology, we recommend that young people study liberal arts to gain a good grounding in a wide range of areas. Students learn how to research and explore, solve problems and make decisions, challenge and collaborate—vital skills in today’s workplace. We’ve seen another trend emerging recently.
Ex-Visteon Employees File Suit
More than 50 former employees of Visteon Corp. have filed a lawsuit against the $18-billion auto-parts supplier, claiming that the company conned them into signing non-negotiable separation agreements that they later learned were negotiable for more compensation. The multimillion-dollar suit, filed last week in the U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Michigan, says that Visteon presented 54 workers with separation contracts in April 2001 after the Dearborn, Mich.-based company announced that it would cut its white-collar workforce.
Tenneco Automotive Announces Executive Appointment, Establishes Commercial Vehicle Segment Business Unit
Lois Boyd has been appointed vice president and general manager of Tenneco Automotive’s commercial vehicle segment and global program management. In her new role, Boyd will be responsible for the company’s growth in the commercial vehicle business. She will direct efforts to leverage Tenneco’s global engineering and manufacturing strengths to expand the business with commercial vehicle customers and in new specialty markets.
Roush Acquires Mountune Racing
As part of its strategy to expand its European engineering operations Roush has acquired England-based Mountune Racing Limited. The company said this acquisition will also address the growing demand for small-displacement, high-performance engines in the U.S. Mountune Racing will become a wholly owned division of Roush, and will be located within Roush’s Brentwood, England, facility.