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| Jim MacMaster |
On June 30, Jim MacMaster, Yokohama Tire Corporation (YTC) executive vice president and chief operating officer, will retire after 39 years in the tire industry. MacMaster, who also served as chairman of the Rubber Manufacturers Association from 2007–2009, began his career with a three-year stint in the navy, followed by work in the defense and computer industries and then 10 years on the manufacturing and dealer side of the tire business. He ultimately joined Yokohama in January 1981. During his 30-year tenure at Yokohama—the U.S. flagship for Tokyo, Japan-based Yokohama Rubber Company (YRC)—the organization grew from a $30 million company to nearly $1 billion and is now the seventh largest tire manufacturer in the world.
HRE Performance Wheels has selected Kahn Media to assist with public relations and communication initiatives. In addition to providing media outreach and PR assistance, Kahn Media will work with HRE management on strategic planning initiatives and social media marketing campaigns to elevate brand visibility, increase sales and promote the company’s top products.
OptiCat announced that Illumaware has become an OptiCat TeamDIO member. As a TeamDIO member, Illumaware will provide AAIA Catalog Exchange Standard (ACES), Legacy and Product Information Exchange Standards (PIES) data directly to the OptiCat DIO Data Repository, resulting in faster and more accurate data delivery to auto parts resellers.
Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) acquired Accessories Marketing Inc. (AMI), creator and manufacturer of the Slime brand of tire-sealant products. AMI is a leader in flat-tire prevention and repair. Accessories Marketing Inc. employs approximately 60 people and has a global headquarters in Grover Beach, California. The purchase was announced by David C. Parry, executive vice president of ITW, who indicated that AMI would become part of ITW’s Performance Polymers and Fluids Group and continue to operate as a separate entity. The AMI acquisition was led by Permatex, a business unit of ITW.
The Automobile Club of Southern California has extended and added to its relationship with the NHRA and has expanded its sponsorship to include title rights of the AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals at Gateway International Raceway outside St. Louis. The relationship also includes naming rights for Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, entitlement rights of the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals held at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, sponsorship of the Auto Club "Road to the Future" award annually recognizing the sport's professional rookie of the year, presenting sponsorship of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, and presenting sponsorship of the popular California Hot Rod Reunion held at Auto Club Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, California. In addition, Automobile Club of Southern California is presenting sponsor of the NHRA Safety Safari and the NHRA Drags: Street Legal Style presented by AAA.