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| Pete Meier is the new technical editor of Motor Age magazine. |
Pete Meier was named the new technical editor of Motor Age magazine, an Advanstar Communications publication. Previously a contributing editor for the magazine, Meier is an ASE Certified Master Auto Technician, a sponsoring member of the International Automotive Technicians' Network and a trained vocational instructor.
The Tire Group International hired Ricardo Villanueva as country manager for its sales office in the Dominican Republic, which the company opened in 2008. Villanueva’s most recent position was vice president of sales for Serit Tires, where he was an integral part of the company’s growth in the Dominican Republic and South American markets.
Currie Enterprises is celebrating its 50th year in business in 2009. To commemorate the event, the company is offering a 2 1/4-inch, limited-edition, self-adhesive, gold–embossed medallion free with the purchase of any Currie catalog. The medallion was originally designed for Currie Axles.
Pilot Automotive appointed David Tang to vice president of retail sales. He was most recently the vice president of sales with Elegant LLC and prior to that served as executive vice president of sales and marketing for 3A Racing. Tang will be responsible for selected retail accounts and for identifying and supporting new business opportunities at Pilot. Pilot COO Mitch Williams noted, "We are very pleased to have a person of David’s caliber joining our team. He is a highly regarded expert in the automotive aftermarket, and this is a win-win-win situation for Pilot, for David and, most importantly of all, for our customers."
Katzkin Leather Inc. and Webasto Product North America have combined their sales organizations. Effective May 1, the newly expanded Katzkin sales team is the single point of contact for both companies’ product lines. The 12-member sales team is led by National Sales Manager Ron Leslie. Collectively, Webasto Product North America and Katzkin have more than 2,000 authorized dealers serving new- and used-car dealerships in the United States and Canada.
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| Daystar Products recently added 10,000 sq. ft. to its operations in Phoenix. |
Daystar Products recently completed a 10,000-sq.-ft. addition to its manufacturing facility in Phoenix, bringing the facilities total square footage to 40,000. The addition will help the company expand its manufacturing capabilities and provides additional warehousing space for Daystar’s product lines. The building serves as its corporate headquarters and includes the main office, manufacturing and warehousing operations and a tool-making center.
As part of its 35th anniversary celebration, Skyjacker Suspensions has expanded its facilities to provide additional warehouse and manufacturing space. The expansion is also in response to consistent demand for its products. “It’s exciting that market demand necessitated this expansion. We are forecasting a great year due to some conservative and strategic planning,” said Lonnie McCurry Jr., chief operations officer.
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| Jennifer Tio |
Jennifer Tio, president of Chicago-based Maximum Marketing Services Inc., was elected to the Chicago Manufacturing Center board of directors. Tio joined Maximum Marketing Services in 1985 and was named company president in 2006. Honored as the 2005 Aftermarket Woman of the Year, Tio is active in many organizations, including the Automotive Communications Council and the Car Care Council Women’s Board, having served a five-year term as president.