Executive Interview with Max Dull, Vice President and General Manager of Beck/Arnley
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Max Dull, vice president and general manager of Beck/Arnley. Join us as Max shares insights from his extensive aftermarket experience, fills us in on what’s new at Beck/Arnley and explains the Beck/Arnley business philosophy.
Suppliers Feel Pinch from Auto Industry
Workers at the Timken Co. can spin magic with bearings, crafting superb tapered bits of metal tinier than grains of sand and 9-ton sculptured steel behemoths. The friction-reducing bearings let cars, sport utility vehicles, railroad engines, space satellites, computer disk drives and even missile guidance systems function. But for all that specialized engineering, the $3.8 billion Canton manufacturer is caught in the same pythonlike economic squeeze as businesses large and small across the world: how to cut costs and do more with less, because if they don’t, someone else eventually will.
Key Safety Systems Forms Shanghai Joint Venture
Key Safety Systems has formed a new joint venture with Yanfeng Visteon Automotive Trim Systems, based in Shanghai, China. With 2004 revenues expected to exceed $1 billion, Yanfeng Visteon is the largest interior trim manufacturer in China, and one of the largest producers of steering wheels.
Modine Expands Global Presence through Acquisition in Asia
Modine Manufacturing Co. has signed a definitive asset purchase agreement for a major expansion into Asia through the acquisition of the Automotive Climate Control Division (ACC) of WiniaMando Inc. WiniaMando, headquartered in South Korea, designs and manufactures heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for commercial vehicles, trucks, buses and trains as well as other heat transfer components, such as oil coolers and charge air coolers.
Herman Trend Alert: Transnational Job Movement
Many Americans are upset about the migration of jobs to countries like India and China. While the perception is that a huge proportion of jobs is permanently leaving the U.S., the reality seems to be considerably different.
Cooper Tire Reports All-Time Record Sales
Cooper Tire & Rubber has reported all-time record high sales of $974 million and a 56 percent increase in net income for the quarter, which ended on March 31. The record sales represent a 23 percent increase compared to the same period a year earlier. Net income increased by 56 percent, to $24 million, compared to $15 million in the first quarter of 2003.
DENSO Earns 2004 Climate Protection Award from EPA
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded its 2004 Climate Protection Award DENSO Corp., Toyota Motor Corp. and Toyota Industries Corp., which together comprise the Electrical Inverter Air Conditioning Team. The team developed an electrical inverter air conditioning system that provides cooling for the new 2003 Toyota Prius during “idle” stop when the engine shuts down to save fuel and emissions. The team was one of 12 organizations and individuals to receive the award.
Manufacturing Czar Nominated
The Bush administration tapped a California businessman to serve as its manufacturing czar after the first pick withdrew his nomination over criticisms his company cut U.S. jobs and shifted work to China. The administration will nominate California carpet manufacturer Al Frink as assistant commerce secretary of manufacturing and services.
MEMA Creates Brand Protection Council to Address Counterfeiting, Non-Compliant Products, Intellectual Property Rights
MEMA and its market segment associations have established a new Brand Protection Council to help address and set the association’s priorities in the areas of counterfeiting, diversion, non-compliant products and intellectual property rights. The council will meet four times a year and will help dictate MEMA’s (and the industry’s) collective actions on various intellectual property issues. The council will also share best practices and dialogue on this growing industry challenge.
MEMA Holds Second Annual Counterfeiting Seminar
MEMA presented its second annual seminar dedicated to the issue of counterfeiting of automotive and truck parts. The event, “Taking Action Against Automotive/Truck Parts Counterfeiting, Diversion and IPR Violations” was held on Monday, April 5 at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn, Mich. Described by Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) Vice President Paul Foley as a “major industry initiative,” the seminar was developed to educate the industry on the nuances of counterfeiting, share best practices, solicit media support and provide networking and exhibitor opportunities.