Snap-on Names Joseph Abbud, Vice President for Rapid Continuous Improvement
Snap-on announced that Joseph Abbud will join the company in the newly created position of vice president – rapid continuous improvement, a position in which he will have responsibility for ensuring the implementation and continued evolution of manufacturing and operating best practices on a company-wide basis. His appointment is effective Monday, October 1. Abbud will report directly to Jack Michaels, chairman, president and CEO.
Financier Plans to Create Auto Parts Giant
Wilbur L. Ross Jr., a financier famous for taking over companies in distressed industries, turning them around and then selling them, launched a bold plan to create the world’s largest auto supply company — and make him one of the most influential figures in the industry.
Coni-Seal Inc. Awarded for Lean Manufacturing Leadership
Frost & Sullivan has presented the 2005 Lean Manufacturing Leadership Award to Coni-Seal Inc. for its cost-efficient production of hydraulic brake components for the North American aftermarket.
Uni-Select Continues its Expansion in Canada and the U.S.
Since the beginning of the year, Uni-Select has continued its expansion, through its subsidiaries, within Canada and the U.S. by completing a share acquisition in Canada, five purchases and one sale in the U.S.
Live from D.C.: MEMA Members Go to Capitol Hill
Day two of the MEMA Legislative Summit began with an unexpected twist – a fire in the Rayburn Congressional building – where MEMA intended to start its day of lobbying. However, in true aftermarket fashion, MEMA members didn’t miss a beat. The attendees split up into 12 groups to meet in closed door sessions with representatives from the House and Senate.
Dana Appoints Tom Stone to Lead Global Traction Operations
Thomas Stone has joined Dana Corp. as president of its traction group. In this role, Stone assumes global responsibility for Dana’s light-axle manufacturing and assembly operations.
Looking Forward and Back: Executive Interview with Dick Morgan, President and CEO, Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance
Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Alliance President and CEO Dick Morgan talked with aftermarketNews.com about this important milestone while attending the recent Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium in Chicago. Join us as Morgan looks back at the evolution of the group and also tells us what lies ahead for the Alliance and the industry as a whole.
Collins & Aikman Chairman and CEO Resigns, Charles Becker Named Acting CEO
Collins & Aikman Corp. has announced the resignation of Chairman and CEO David Stockman. Charles Becker, a former director of the company, has agreed to serve as acting CEO, while the company searches for a permanent replacement for Stockman. In addition, the company’s board of directors has asked three directors, Anthony Hardwick, Timothy Leuliette and Daniel Tredwell, to support Becker as a temporary steering committee of the board while it spearheads a search for a full time replacement to serve as CEO of the company. Marshall Cohen, a current director of the company, was named as non-executive interim chairman of the board of directors.
LIVE FROM GAAS: Day 2
The second day of the 2005 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) in Chicago included an overview of the aftermarket industry’s efforts to reach out the public and Wall Street – via initiatives like the Be Car Care Aware campaign.
Venture Tape Opens Certified Training Center for Installers
Venture Tape Corp., a global manufacturer of specialty tapes, has opened a new, interactive training center for installers of its automotive paint protection system, Venture Shield. Housed at the company’s Rockland, Mass., headquarters, the facility will provide professional aftermarket installers with intensive, hands-on training that follows recommended Venture Shield application techniques. At the completion of the three-day training program, attendees will receive certification authorizing them to apply Venture Shield to their customers’ cars and trucks.