AMN Perspectives by Thomas Group: Experience at Work
In our last article we talked about inventory management as a trade-off. In most organizations there are conflicting inputs from various departments that affect inventory decisions: finance wants low inventory levels to minimize working capital costs; sales and marketing wants high inventory levels to ensure excellent customer service; production wants long-term planning with low flexibility to create high production efficiencies. Logistics wants to minimize transportation, handling and inventory holding costs.
Deadline Approaching for Participation In Top Aftermarket Suppliers List
The deadline for participation in the 2004 Top Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers List, published by Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the aftermarket segment of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), has been extended to Friday, Feb. 13. Produced by Babcox Publications, this multi-page, full-color publication will feature insightful information on the largest suppliers to the automotive aftermarket. The form to participate is available online at http://www.aftermarketnews.com/top70.asp. The 2003 AASA Top Aftermarket Suppliers list is also available at the link.
“DST Asks”: What Do You Look For In a Computerized Business Management System?
Technology is breaking down the barriers that once hindered our ability to process and share information efficiently. As our industry taps into the power of new technologies, those businesses that adopt and embrace them sooner rather than later will realize new efficiencies and bottom-line improvements while simultaneously setting the revised standards of successful business operation. Those standards will be the benchmarks of competitive advantage that will steer the future of the industry.
Champion Appoints a New President
John Evans, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Champion Laboratories, has been named president of the Albion, Ill.-based automotive parts manufacturer. Evans, a native of Vincennes, Ind., has been with Champion Laboratories for 20 years. He replaces Tom Mowatt, who has taken retirement.
MEMA Joins Aftermarket eForum as Sponsor
MEMA has joined as a sponsor of the 2004 Aftermarket eForum scheduled for Monday, Aug. 2, through Wednesday, Aug. 4, in Chicago, Ill. Other sponsors of this industry-wide event include the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association and the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA), R.L. Polk & Co., Comergent, Evant, Gcommerce, Prescient Technology, DST and WorldPac.
Timken Board Nominates NAM President Jerry Jasinowski; Announces Two Retirements
Jerry Jasinowski, president of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), has been nominated for membership on the Timken board of directors. He will stand for election at the annual shareholders’ meeting on April 20. Additionally, two current board members have announced their retirements.
Walker Exhaust Announces Special Spring Trade Promotion
Walker Exhaust is offering a special spring trade promotion that enables undercar professionals to earn $25 gift cards, be entered into weekly $500 cash giveaways and participate in a sweepstakes drawing for a premium home theater system.
Bill Grote Names Eric Morris President and COO of Grote Industries, Grote to Assume Chairman/CEO Role
Eric Morris has been appointed to the newly created post of president and COO at Grote Industries. William (Bill) Grote III will assume duties of chairman and CEO at the 103-year-old family owned company. Grote Industries is a designer and manufacturer of vehicle safety systems. Headquartered in Madison, Ind., Grote manufactures LED and incandescent lamps, mirrors, obstacle detection systems, reflective accessories and wiring components. The company has other manufacturing plants in Toronto and Waterloo, Canada, as well as Monterrey, Mexico.
NASTF to Meet March 8 in Detroit
The National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) will meet March 8 in conjunction with the SAE Congress in Detroit, Mich. The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit. NASTF meets semi-annually with committees meeting throughout the year.
Commemorative Issue of FOCUS Marks MEMA’s 100th Anniversary
MEMA is teaming with Babcox Publications to publish a special commemorative issue of its quarterly magazine, Focus, in June 2004 to mark the association’s 100th anniversary. This special edition will be a collector’s item, produced in “coffee-table” quality. The magazine will commemorate the past 100 years of contributions that suppliers and individuals have made to the original equipment, aftermarket and heavy duty industries, a historic timeline and many historic photos from MEMA and its member companies.