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Movers & Shakers: Truck Hero Acquires Husky Liners; Continental Acquires Hoosier Racing Tire Corp.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Truck Hero Inc. Announces Strategic Acquisition of Husky Liners

Truck Hero Inc. has announced the strategic acquisition of Husky Liners. The transaction terms were not disclosed. This transaction marks Truck Hero’s 10th acquisition since its formation in 2007, and is well aligned with the company’s growth strategy of continuing to acquire businesses within the vehicle accessory market that further diversify its product portfolio into other high-growth segments.

Continental Acquires Hoosier Racing Tire Corp.

The international technology company Continental has announced the acquisition of Hoosier Racing Tire Corp. Founded in 1957, Hoosier supplies tires for most racing applications throughout the world, with an emphasis on high-performance and quality. The company currently employs nearly 500 people. Continental and Hoosier have worked together over the past several years on a variety of technical and motorsports projects. Terms of the transaction are not being disclosed.

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G. A. “Fritz” Carlson III

Fritz Carlson Appointed President and CEO of Acme Manufacturing Company

Acme Manufacturing Company has announced that G. A. “Fritz” Carlson III has been named president, CEO and majority shareholder of Acme. He joined Acme in 1984 and has been involved in the company’s strategic global growth for more than 32 years. He is the fourth-generation family member to become owner of Acme. As president and CEO, he is responsible for overseeing all company operations and is instrumental in the company’s direction for advancing robotic deburring and polishing automation solutions with an emphasis in the aerospace engine components and consumer products industries. He is an active member of the Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT), Robotics Industry Association (RIA) and Young Presidents Organization (YPO). Under a separate announcement, Glen Carlson Jr. now holds the title chairman emeritus. He retired as chairman after 58 years of service and has played a valuable role in the metal-finishing, automation machinery industry.

Champion Brands, LLC Achieves Newest ISO 9001-2015 Certification

Champion Brands LLC has announced it has received official certification for ISO 9001:2015 compliance from DEKRA—its official registrar—effective September 13, 2016. The company completed the required audits in July with zero non-conformities, making Champion Brands LLC one of the first companies in the United States to be upgraded to the 2015 standard and re-certified as ISO compliant. Champion’s General Manager Rick Pereles coordinated the effort with the certification organization to complete the review process and obtain the certificate for the Quality Management System.

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Harvey Mackay

Best-Selling Author Harvey Mackay to Keynote 2016 VIPAR Heavy Duty Annual Business Conference

Harvey Mackay, entrepreneur and The New York Times No. 1 best-selling business author, will provide the keynote address for the 2016 VIPAR Heavy Duty Annual Business Conference. This year’s conference, unified under the theme “Game Plan for Growth,” will be held October 16–21, 2016, at JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes in Orlando, Florida. Mackay will address the topic “Outsell, Outmanage, Outmotivate and Outnegotiate Your Competition.” Mackay has written seven The New York Times best-selling books, three of which have reached the No. 1 spot, and two were named by the The Times among the top 15 inspirational business books of all-time. Mackay is also a nationally syndicated columnist whose weekly business advice appears in 100 newspapers and magazines around the country.

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A Pro-Touring ’69 Camaro will be unveiled in the Hedman Performance Group SEMA Show booth, Tuesday, November 1, at 10:30 a.m.

Hedman to Debut Luxury Pro-Touring Camaro at the 2016 SEMA Show

Rob Phillips of PCHRODS will pull the cover off of his latest custom performance vehicle—a ’69 Camaro that was built to combine modern luxury and pro-touring performance—Tuesday, November 1, from 10:30 a.m.–10:50 a.m., in the Hedman Performance Group booth #22343. The Camaro features a Chevrolet Performance LS3 with a Tremec six-speed transmission, stainless-steel Hedman Hedders, an ARC Audio sound system, Hamburger’s Performance billet oil filtration components and a Marquez Designs interior. 

High Teck Launches Redesigned Website

High Teck has announced the re-launch of its website. The newly redesigned website features easy access to product data sheets, detailed product descriptions, dynamic 3D images, video product demos and more.

Solar Gard Forms Strategic Partnership With Driven Public Relations to Elevate Brand Position Across the Automotive Industry

Solar Gard has announced it has selected DRIVEN Public Relations as agency of record. A division of global glass and building technology company Saint-Gobain, Solar Gard is now working with DRIVEN to elevate its brand and reintroduce Clearshield Pro Paint Protection Film (PPF), Ultra Performance Plus Window Film and a full portfolio of automotive window films.

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