Leadership’s Role: Define and Communicate the Three Clarities
The following article is part one of a three-part series by special guest contributor Chuck Udell, a senior partner at Essential Action Design Group. The article, inspired by a popular presentation Udell has given to numerous aftermarket professionals, addresses the importance of building a sense of ownership among all employees from top brass to floor staff. As we witness dramatic changes in the North American aftermarket, a sense of ownership and loyalty among all employees may play a critical role in the future success of our industry, says Udell.
Executive Interview with Greg Gyllstrom, Vice President and General Manager of Visteon’s North American Aftermarket Operations
As vice president and general manager of Visteon’s North American aftermarket operations, Gregory Gyllstrom is responsible for expanding the organization’s aftermarket business by coordinating and directing the company’s sales, product development and marketing activities. Recently, Gyllstrom shared with aftermarketNews a few insights into the underhood category as well as Visteon’s evolution from a Ford spin-off into an ‘all-makes/all-models’ supplier.
Robert Pitt to Lead Sales Effort for Affinia Canada
Robert Pitt has accepted a promotion in Affinia to the position of vice president, CRM Branded Sales, Canada.
Stanley Works Provides Supplemental Information About Offer for Facom Tools
The Stanley Works announced that it has made a firm offer to purchase Facom Tools from Fimalac for approximately $494 million in cash. Facom Tools, with 2004 sales of euro 370 million ($445 million) and LTM (last twelve months) operating profit of approximately 12 percent, includes the professional tool brands Facom, Usag (Italy) and Virax (plumbing tools), among others. The proposed transaction is subject to certain regulatory approvals and other customary conditions, including consultation with Facom’s labor representatives, which must be completed prior to the acceptance of the offer by Fimalac. Assuming successful completion of this process, closing is expected to occur by year-end 2005 or shortly thereafter.
SKF Develops Innovative Belt Tensioner
SKF recently announced it has developed a new generation of automatic timing belt tensioner units for engine applications with significant improvements including ease of installation and enhanced belt life compared to existing tensioner technology.
Activant Buys The Systems House
Activant Solutions has acquired substantially all of the assets of The Systems House, Inc., a technology solutions provider for distributors primarily in the automotive aftermarket and office products industries. The acquisition will provide next-generation technology for Activant’s customers in the automotive aftermarket and wholesale distribution industries, key vertical segments in Activant’s vision for growth.
Lear’s Plunging Profit to Send Jobs Packing
The bug afflicting Detroit’s automotive industry is infecting even the healthiest companies now. Auto supplier Lear Corp. on Friday said it is planning an aggressive cost-cutting strategy, which includes moving manufacturing and engineering work to low-cost countries, after it posted a $75.8-million decline in profits during the first quarter of the year.
Executive Interview: Bill Maggs and Michael Mitchell Talk About the Recent Merger of Pronto and RPM
Following on the heels of RPM Group’s merger with Pronto, Mitchell and Maggs sat down for a phone interview with aftermarketNews. The two men gave us the scoop on what changes are on the horizon for the newly merged group as well as their thoughts on the future of programmed distribution.
Executive Interview: Bill Maggs and Michael Mitchell Talk About the Recent Merger of Pronto and RPM
Following on the heels of RPM Group’s merger with Pronto, Mike Mitchell and Bill Maggs sat down for a phone interview with aftermarketNews. The two men gave us the scoop on what changes are on the horizon for the newly merged group as well as their thoughts on the future of programmed distribution.
Executive Interview: Bill Maggs and Michael Mitchell Talk About the Recent Merger of Pronto and RPM
Following on the heels of RPM Group’s merger with Pronto, Mike Mitchell and Bill Maggs sat down for a phone interview with aftermarketNews. The two men gave us the scoop on what changes are on the horizon for the newly merged group as well as their thoughts on the future of programmed distribution.