Supplier News – September 6, 2011

 GAAS gets new chairman

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Dave Caracci has resigned as chairman of the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS). He will be replaced by Dennis Welvaert, former president of the North American aftermarket division of Dayco. Caracci will work together with Welvaert during the next three months to ensure a smooth transition of leadership, to be completed by Industry Week in Las Vegas when Welvaert takes over full-time as chairman.

Jay Duperon of Grand Prairie is the latest winner in Mister Transmission’s “Win Your Repair” contest. His vehicle broke down when he was passing through Winnipeg. The company’s Winnipeg’s location repaired his vehicle so he could continue on his trip. He submitted his ballot online and his name was pulled as the company’s Q2 winner. He was presented with a cheque by franchise owner Jacques Ritchot.

Shell Canada Products and the Heavy Duty Distributor Council of Canada (HDDC) are working together to support the growth and development of future fleet technicians. The Shell Rotella / HDDC Heavy Duty Technician Scholarship awards six successful applicants with $2,500 each toward their education as a heavy-duty technician. They must be enrolled full-time and in their last year of a program or an apprenticeship related to the field of heavy duty equipment, focusing in road transport. Recipients are chosen based on academic merit, financial need, their reply to an essay question, and their commitment to contributing to the future success of the trucking industry. Application deadline is Nov. 30, 2011.

The radiator leak repair company founded in Toronto by I.D. Blumenthal in 1931 is now celebrating its 80th birthday. Over the last 80 years, Radiator Specialty Company of Canada has expanded its offering into more than 300 unique automotive and plumbing specialty products. “We are proud to have earned such success in the Canadian market over the last 80 years,” says Richard Navin, national sales manager. “We look forward to another 80 years of successful business here in Canada.”

Snap-on Tools of Canada has opened its new headquarters at 6500 Millcreek Drive in Mississauga, Ont. This new, integrated facility will fully support the company’s 400 Canadian franchisees, representatives and field management team members. The 133,000 square foot facility also houses the Snap-on Equipment manufacturing facility (formerly Wheeltronic), the Canadian divisions of Snap-on Diagnostics, Equipment Solutions (OEM facilitator), John Bean (JBC) and Hofmann. Snap-on Canada, opened in 1931, was the first international division of Snap-on Incorporated and has operated in Canada for over 80 years.

MAHLE Clevite Inc. has introduced its first online supplier portal, at mahleclevitesupplier.com. The portal provides a centralized system for suppliers to manage orders and other account information more efficiently. The new supplier portal helps reduce operating costs, improve inventory efficiencies, and strengthen the company’s supply base, so it can provide better service to customers, says information technology officer Markela Skenderi.

Ross Proffitt has joined Beck/Arnley as marketing coordinator. In this position, Proffitt will assist with creating sales promotions, execution and fulfillment, as well as coordinating the distribution of marketing materials such as collateral and signage. Proffitt will also handle the re-launch of Beck/Arnley’s social media campaign. He reports to Paul Farwick, vice president of sales for Beck/Arnley.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick has signed an agreement with Federal-Mogul to become the new spokesperson for the Champion brand of spark plugs, filters, wipers, and automotive chemical products. Harvick, driver of the No. 29 Budweiser Chevrolet, has won 17 races and posted 83 top-five finishes in his 10-year Sprint Cup Series career. Harvick’s new relationship with the Champion brand will be highlighted in an array of marketing activities, including consumer-targeted print and integrated Web advertising and point-of-sale materials.