Company News
Motion Industries acquires parts distributor
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Motion Industries Inc. has acquired Miller Bearings Inc., headquartered in Orlando, Florida, according to a press release.
Miller Bearings is an independent distributor of bearings, power transmission products, fluid power, electrical automation components, and safety and industrial supplies. The company has 17 locations in Florida.
“The addition of Miller Bearings better positions Motion Industries for continued growth in the Southeast,” says Tim Breen, president and CEO of Motion Industries, in the release. “We want to welcome all of the Miller Bearings employees to the Motion family and we look forward to the contributions they will make to our company in the years ahead.”
Motion Industries is a subsidiary of Genuine Parts Company. It has more than 550 operations including 15 distribution centers in North America.
Tint World opens new headquarters
BOCA RATON, Fla. — The Tint World corporate team moved into a new headquarters in November 2014, according to a press release.
Tint World CEO Charles Bonfiglio says in the release the new location coincides with the company’s recent growth.
“We currently have over 40 stores open, 63 franchise licenses awarded in the USA, and 36 awarded internationally, and our growth has required us to relocate to a new state-of-the-art Tint World Franchise Headquarters,” Bonfiglio notes in the release.
The new location boasts 5,000 square feet to house space for executive offices; a conference room; IT, marketing and accounting departments; as well as a call center to support the company’s commercial window film services and upcoming online store.
The headquarters also includes a franchisee training center. Franchisees can take part in hands-on training in the two-bay, studio-style service garage. A classroom will house training classes.
Mat cleaning company becomes authorized dealer
VALENCIA, Calif. — Clean World Distribution has become an authorized Dealer Equipment Supplier for Ford Rotunda and Bosch U.S.A., according to a press release.
Clean World Distribution will now have access to more than 4,000 Ford and Lincoln dealers across North America.
The company manufactures Rhino-Mat, a floor mat cleaning machine. Ford displayed the machine (valued at $7,200) in its booth at the upcoming National Automobile Dealers Association trade show, and it raffled off one of the machines at the show.
Product manufacturer boosts international reach
CHICAGO — Dr. Beasley’s has added new product distributorships in Chile and Taiwan, according to a press release.
The company is also interested in wholesaling in Russia, China, South Korea and other countries.
Dr. Beasley’s became an exclusive provider of its matte paint prescription kits for Los Angeles-based ICON.
The company displayed many of its products at the recent SEMA show.
“All of Dr. Beasley’s products are the result of many years of seeking solutions to existing problems in the automotive appearance industry,” says Jim Lafeber, founder and president of Dr. Beasley’s, in the release.
Dr. Beasley’s designs, develops and manufactures environmentally-friendly detailing products.
Toolmaker acquired by Italian company
LONGMONT, Colo. — Cyclo Toolmakers has been acquired by RUPES S.p.A., an Italian manufacturer of electric and pneumatic power tools and vacuum systems, according to a press release.
Cyclo manufactures the Cycle Orbital Polisher. RUPES introduced its polishing system, BigFoot, in North America.
Cyclo manufactures its products in its Colorado facility, which will become the center of RUPES’ North American operations. It will operate as RUPES USA Inc.
“We recognize the high quality reputation that the Cyclo brand enjoys across several market segments and promise to work diligently to both honor and improve the status of the brand while leveraging Cyclo’s capabilities to improve RUPES’ service, support and technical levels in North America,” adds Jonathan Kissov, RUPES USA vice president of sales and marketing, in the release.
Lucas Oil announces new COO
CORONA, Calif. — Tom Fredrickson has been named chief operating officer (COO) at Lucas Oil Products Inc., according to a press release.
Fredrickson has served as general manager and chief administration officer since 2002.
As COO Fredrickson will continue his responsibilities with production, marketing, sales and R&D.
Lucas Oil Founder, President and CEO Forrest Lucas, says in the release the promotion was “richly deserved.”
Lucas Oil is a producer of high performance oils, fuel treatments and problem solving additives.
Association News
ICA show registration now open
CHICAGO — Attendees can now register for The Car Wash Show 2015, sponsored by the International Carwash Association in partnership with the Western Carwash Association, according to a press release. It will be held April 23-25 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The trade show will offer carwash professionals educational sessions, networking and information on the latest products, technologies and services in the industry.
“This year’s education and networking program will bring together our attendees from every carwash segment, and will allow them to achieve business success by discussing shared experiences and solutions,” says Eric Wulf, CEO of the International Carwash Association, in the release.
Rick Pitino, NCAA Basketball coach for the University of Louisville, will deliver the show’s keynote address.
Visitors can attend interactive workshops and roundtable discussions. More education will also be held on self-serve operations and Western region-specific issues.
For more information on the show and to register, go to www.carwash.org/thecarwashshow.
AIADA partners with Dealertrack Technologies
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) has named Dealertrack Technologies one of its affinity partners to help dealers bridge the online shopping and in-store experience, according to a press release. Dealertrack is the only company of its kind endorsed by the AIADA.
The partnership allows AIADA international nameplate dealers to access Dealertrack’s offers and educational opportunities.
Dealertrack “provides dealer members with software solutions and services to help manage and integrate the entire dealership operation,” states the release. Solutions offered include inventory, digital marketing, sales, vehicle registration and titling applications, and more.
AIADA President Cody Lusk says in the release, “This partnership offers AIADA's dealer members a tremendous opportunity to improve their efficiency and grow their bottom line.”
People News
Lighting company appoints VP of sales and marketing
WEST CALDWELL, N.J. — MaxLite has appointed Jim Hunter as senior vice president of sales and marketing, according to a press release.
Hunter will oversee all sales and marketing initiatives including regional, national accounts, consumer, OEM and export sales, utility solutions, application and certifications, and marketing.
“Jim’s extensive lighting industry experience, paired with his successful sales and marketing leadership credentials, will prove him to be a strong asset to the MaxLite team,” says President and CEO Yon Sung in the release. “We are proud to welcome Jim to our management team and look forward to his positive impact growing MaxLite’s business with our customers and partners.”
Before joining MaxLite Hunter worked in positions with Samsung LED Lighting, Luminus Devices Inc. and Philips Lighting North America.
AIADA names new chairman
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) has chosen auto dealer Bradley Hoffman as its 2015 chairman, according to a press release.
Hoffman stepped into the position at AIADA’s 45th Annual Meeting and Luncheon.
“As AIADA's 2015 Chairman, I want to help usher this association into a new era,” says Hoffman in the release. “This will be a year of ensuring that dealers' rights are respected by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. It will [be] the year we pass Trade Promotion Authority to ratify trade agreements with Japan and Europe. It will be a year to face forward.”
Hoffman is co-chair of Hoffman Auto Group, which operates dealerships in Connecticut. The company employs more than 500 workers.
During the meeting AIADA also presented auto dealer Ed Fitzpatrick with the 2015 David F. Mungenast Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award.
“Ed Fitzpatrick is an exceptional example of the generosity of dealers toward their employees and communities,” shares AIADA President Cody Lusk in the release.
