Executive Interview with Chris Gardner, Director of MEMA’s MIS Council
Our latest Executive Interview features Chris Gardner, director of the MEMA (Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association) Information Services (MIS) Council. The MIS Council is a peer group of individuals from MEMA member companies who are responsible for their companies’ IS operations and serves as a forum for industry interaction, education and idea exchange. Gardner has his finger on the pulse on the latest advancements in technology and how they can best be implemented in the aftermarket. Here, Gardner talks about MEMA’s efforts in the technology sector through the MIS Council and group initiatives.
Executive Interview: Affinia President Terry McCormack Discusses the Future
Yesterday it was announced that Dana Corp. had completed the sale of the Dana Automotive Aftermarket Group (AAG) to Cypress Group, a New York-based buyout firm. The new company, renamed Affinia, will be lead by Terry McCormack, an aftermarket veteran of more than 30 years. McCormack spent three decades in positions of increasing responsibility at Dana, and was named president of Dana AAG in 2000. Join us as McCormick describes to us his visions for the future of Affinia and reflects back on AAG’s time under the Dana organization.
SPX Service Solutions Acquires AutoXray
SPX Corp. announced yesterday that its Service Solutions business has acquired Tempe, Arizona-based AutoXray, Inc., which designs automotive diagnostic test equipment and instrumentation marketed to professional technicians and retailers.
Live from AAPEX: Scott Meyer Presented MEMA’s Prestigious Triangle Award
Scott Meyer, retired president of Ken-Tool in Akron, Ohio, and past chairman of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association’s (MEMA) , was presented the Triangle Award, MEMA’s highest honor, last night during the association’s Executive Reception in Las Vegas.
Case Study: The DNA Building-Block Approach in Action
NMS Communications, a mid-sized network equipment manufacturer, employed the Thomas Group DNA building-block approach to reengineer the supply chain for its platform business, which accounts for 80 percent of the company’s revenue. NMS realized that to maintain a competitive edge, it needed to create a high-speed, demand-driven supply chain. But developing such a capability in an environment where forecasts traditionally ruled was a challenge.
FTC Letter Rekindles Right to Repair Flame
In the continuing legislative process regarding HR 2735 — The Motor Vehicle Owner’s Right to Repair Act, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently sent a letter to U.S. Rep John Dingell (D-Mich.), a member of the Energy and Trade Committee, in response to the Dingell’s request for feedback from the FTC on the proposed legislation.
EPA to Host Special Session Before CARS
As a prelude to this year’s Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will host a special session to discuss the implementation of the original equipment manufacturers’ service information Web sites. The session will take place Wednesday, Nov. 3, at the Flamingo Las Vegas. Several OEMs will be present to provide live demonstrations of their Web sites. In addition, the EPA will present its plan for a formal audit of all the automakers Web sites.
Charting Your Supply Chain DNA — The DNA Building Blocks
What is the genetic structure of a successful supply chain? This week we want to dig a little deeper into the major elements that make a supply chain competitive.
Executive Interview with Paul Foley, Vice President, Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA)
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Paul Foley, vice president of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), a market segment of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). Join us as Foley brings us up to speed on the rapid growth of AASA since its creation two years ago, as well as several industry initiatives AASA is currently focusing on.
ETI Completes Web Site Facelift
The Equipment and Tool Institute (ETI) just announced the completion of its web site redesign. The web site — www.etools.org — now sports a new color scheme, masthead and a few new components. According to Brian Irish, marketing manager for ETI, the facelift was long overdue. The decision to make the changes comes as part of a new marketing plan initiated by Irish. “The intent is to keep a consistent look to everything that ETI does,” he said. “We are working on building name and identity recognition in the industry. This is just a first step in accomplishing that.”