CARQUEST Adds Akebono Ceramic Brake Pads to Product Line
RALEIGH , N.C. – CARQUEST Auto Parts has added Akebono ceramic brake pads to the CARQUEST Gold ceramic brake friction product line. Between July 15 and Oct. 15 at participating CARQUEST Auto Parts stores, when a professional technician purchases six sets of CARQUEST Premium Plus Gold Ceramic OE Brake Pads, the technician will receive a
Exclusive: aftermarketNews gets Up Close Look at Akebono’s Kentucky Facilities
In an area of the country better known for distilling bourbon, Akebono Brake Corporation is distilling its OE expertise into aftermarket disc brake pads. Kentucky currently is the home to all Akebono North American manufacturing facilities and its North American headquarters. Recently, aftermarketNews was given an exclusive tour of Akebono’s Aftermarket brake pad plants. The Springfield, Ky., facility manufactures its own aftermarket lines and private-brand brake pad lines, plus brake pads and components for Original Equipment Service (OES).
Akebono Adding Aftermarket Disc Pad Manufacturing Capability to Glasgow, KY, OEM Plant
Akebono Brake Corp. announced today it will expand its Glasgow, KY, OEM pad manufacturing capabilities to include aftermarket disc pad manufacturing by 2009. The company described the plan as “an unprecedented move, when Akebono’s competitors are closing U.S. plants in favor of low-cost, offshore manufacturing.”
Akebono Launches Membership Program for Technicians
Akebono has launched a new program for technicians called the “Akebono Brake Experts Alliance.” The new program was developed to help drive Akebono brake business to shops and ensure quality repairs in the process. According to the company, the program will help technicians deliver expert repairs, reduce comebacks, boost profits and keep customers happy and coming back for more service.
ITOCHU Group Increases Investment in Akebono Brake
ITOCHU Automobile America Inc. and ITOCHU International Inc. have together acquired an interest in Akebono Brake Corp. The ITOCHU Group redeemed its 40 percent interest in Amak Brake L.L.C., one of Akebono’s North American subsidiaries, and at the same time purchased a 20 percent stake in Akebono Brake Corp. The investment is expected to complement Akebono’s managerial resources and increase Akebono’s aftermarket distribution efficiencies, according to the company.
New Name, New Strategy for Akebono
Akebono Corporation (North America) announced that as of Jan. 1, its North American headquarters will operate under the name Akebono Brake Corp. The company’s North American manufacturing locations followed suit and renamed their facilities as follows: Akebono Brake, Elizabethtown Plant (formerly AMBRAKE), Akebono Brake, Glasgow Plant (formerly AMAK) and Akebono Brake, Springfield Plant (formerly AMTEC). The research and development facility has been renamed Akebono Engineering Center and will remain in Farmington Hills, MI.
Akebono Brake Forms Strategic Alliance with ITOCHU
Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd. (Akebono) has formed a strategic alliance with ITOCHU Corp. in the areas of global business operations and sales of non-automotive products, in line with its Global 30 mid-term management plan for expansion and growth. Itochu Corp. is one of Japan’s leading trading companies and is engaged in a wide variety of businesses, including textiles, machinery, aerospace, information technology, multimedia, metals, energy, chemicals, forest products, food, retail and financial services.
Akebono Announces New Positions in its Aftermarket and OE Divisions
Akebono Corporation North America (ACNA) has announced several promotions in the Aftermarket Sales Division at its North American Operations. Steve Murakami has accepted the position of general manager of aftermarket sales which includes OES and the traditional aftermarket teams. Ken Selinger has accepted the position of director of marketing and product development reporting to Murakami. Hiro Sato has accepted the position of general manager of OE Sales. Reporting to Sato, Diane Switzer has accepted the position of director of domestic OE sales. In addition, Matt Knowles has accepted the position of director of Japanese OE sales.
Akebono Moves HQ to Kentucky
Akebono Corp. North America (ACNA) is relocating its North American headquarter operations from Farmington Hills, MI, to Elizabethtown, KY. The move will take place throughout the 2006 calendar year and will affect approximately 50 positions. Following ACNA’s acquisition of Ambrake Corp., the company’s board of directors decided to consolidate and strategically align all of the company’s administrative functions. With the majority of Akebono’s associates living in Kentucky, the board felt it was in the company’s best interest to move its headquarters there.
Akebono Creates New Division, Names New President
Akebono Corp. North America understands the importance and potential of the aftermarket in North America, and is refocusing its efforts on achieving success in this market segment. Akebono demonstrated its commitment to the aftermarket by appointing one of its highly successful top-level executives to lead a dedicated team focused solely on the aftermarket and OES business.