American Axle UAW Contract Expires at Midnight, Accord Expected
The 4-year UAW contract covering 7,500 workers at Detroit-based American Axle & Manufacturing Inc. will expire at midnight tonight. Negotiations between the two sides began in December but have yet to produce an agreement. Two UAW officials, who asked not be named, said a tentative agreement should be reached today.
AMN Perspectives by Thomas Group: Experience at Work
In our last article we raised the issue of conflicting department strategies without really addressing it. Let’s do that now. As an example, what happens when finance drives for lower inventory levels to minimize working capital costs, sales and marketing promises customers more inventory to improve service, and production plans long manufacturing runs with low flexibility to maximize favorable variances? The results will not be pretty.
Early Bird Registration Discount Extended For GAAS
There is still time to hear the aftermarket’s leading experts discuss how the industry can work “Leaner, Faster, Better,” at the ninth annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) program – set for Tuesday and Wednesday, May 18-19, at the Hyatt Regency, Chicago, Ill. – at a substantial savings.
DST Asks: Do You Get Everything You Need from Your Current Computer System?
The database engine is the foundation of a computerized business system, used to abstract very specific sorts of information about your business and organize it in a way that will prove useful. The database should ultimately be viewed as a representation or model of the business.
KYB Launches Safety Center Program
KYB America LLC is launching the KYB Safety Center Program, a promotional program developed to help professional technicians receive training and technical service, as well as signage and functional items to help them grow their business. KYB America LLC is launching the KYB Safety Center Program, a promotional program developed to help professional technicians receive training and technical service, as well as signage and functional items to help them grow their business.
Bridgestone Profit Jumps
Tiremaker Bridgestone Corp. said its profit nearly doubled in 2003 as sales rose in Europe and payments related to a massive U.S. tire recall three years ago declined. But the tire company forecast lower profits for this year, citing higher rubber prices and increasing marketing expenses in Japan in the face of weak demand.
Aftermarket Technology Corp. Appoints Don Johnson to CEO
Aftermarket Technology Corp. (ATC) has announced that Don Johnson will succeed Mike DuBose as CEO and president. DuBose is stepping down as CEO but will remain chairman of the company.
Brake Parts Inc. Names Andersen Director of CRM
Brake Parts Inc. has promoted Nancy Andersen to the newly created position of director of customer relationship management for the under vehicle group. A 25 year veteran of the aftermarket, Andersen has experience in export, customer service, accounting, direct sales and administration in all market segments.
Akebono Expands Aftermarket Friction Lineup
Akebono will launch the Akebono Premium Disc Brake Pads friction line next month. The line will feature 116 part numbers, covering a wide range of both late-model import and popular domestic vehicles.
Mitchell 1 Names Regional Sales Manager for the Southeast
Mitchell 1 has named Jim Silverman regional sales manager (RSM) for the company’s southeast region, which covers Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas and South Carolina. Previously, Silverman served as an independent sales representative for Mitchell 1 in Nebraska and South Dakota for more than five years, during which time he earned the company’s top performer award in 1999, 2001 and 2003.