Elgin Industries Named Jasper Engines & Transmissions “Preferred Partner”
Elgin Industries has been named a “Preferred Partner” by Jasper Engines & Transmissions, one of Elgin Industries’ largest customers. The award was presented during the annual Jasper Engines & Transmissions Preferred Partners Banquet on March 9.
2004 Automotive News PACE Awards Winners Announced
Automotive News has announced the 11 winners of its 2004 PACE Awards. This is the 10th year that the publication has honored innovative auto suppliers through the PACE Awards, which are co-sponsored by Cap Gemini Ernst & Young and Transportation Research Center Inc. The winners were announced at a ceremony on Monday, March 8, at the Detroit Opera House. A panel of independent judges selected the winners from a group of 23 finalists.
Firestone Tire and Service Centers Kick Off 2004 Car Care Academies
BFS Retail & Commercial Operations, LLC (BFRC) has announced the nationwide schedule for its 2004 Car Care Academy campaign, which kicks off in time for National Car Care Month in April. These free, interactive seminars will be held at Firestone Tire & Service Centers and Tires Plus stores across the U.S. The seminars will teach consumers what they can do on a monthly basis to help keep their cars running in better condition.
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A Nebraska businessman whom President Bush wanted to nominate for the job of ”manufacturing czar” has withdrawn from consideration amid attacks from Democrats.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.
Pilot Travel Centers to Sell Goodyear Truck Tires
Goodyear Tire & Rubber is the second tiremaker this week to announce a new supply agreement with Pilot Travel Centers LLC, one of the largest truck stop networks in North America. Pilot Travel Centers will stock and sell Goodyear truck tires at its travel centers.
Intermet Reports Losses
Intermet Corp. revised its fourth quarter and full-year financial results and reported a loss of $95.4 million, or $3.40 per share, on sales of $183.3 million in the fourth quarter. The Troy manufacturer of cast-metal automotive components earned $430,000, or 3 cents per share, on sales of $180.47 million in the same quarter of 2002. For the year, Intermet lost $98.9 million, or $3.22 per share, on sales of $731.16 million. It earned $9 million, or 41 cents per share, on sales of $755.73 million for 2002.
Tower Automotive Sells Equity Interest in Yorozu Corp.
Tower Automotive has sold its 30.76 percent interest back to Yorozu Corp. through a share buy-back transaction on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Tower received proceeds of $51.7 million from the transaction. The divestiture is part of Tower’s strategy of focusing on core operations and improving liquidity, said Kathleen Ligocki, president and CEO of Tower Automotive.
New Import Parts Specialist Certification Tests Available
Aftermarket firms can begin the new year with a competitive edge by encouraging employees and customers to take the newly updated Auto International Association (AIA) Import Parts Specialist and Master Import Parts Specialist certification tests. Better-trained counter personnel and service technicians are vital to ensuring quality repairs and satisfying import nameplate customers. These tests address the pressing need for professionals with knowledge and training to help drive improved sales and provide the best customer service to import nameplate owners.
American Tire Distributors Adds to Team of Equipment Specialists
American Tire Distributors has added to its team of equipment specialists with the recent hiring of Ralph Bachemin. Bachemin, who joined American Tire Distributors in January, handles automotive equipment sales and service for the company’s Mobile, Ala., distribution center, covering Southern regions of Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. Bachemin joins a network of approximately 45 equipment specialists employed by American Tire Distributors across the U.S. who assist dealers in establishing and maintaining a productive automotive services shop.
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.