Trans Am Worldwide Announces Release of 70/SS
Trans Am Worldwide (TAW) of Tallahassee, Florida, has announced the release of its newest model, the 70/SS. This modern-day version of the ’70 Chevelle Super Sport goes on sale to the public Saturday, May 14, 2022. The release marks the fourth of its kind for the team at Worldwide, best known for their role in “The Bandit Edition” Trans Am, signed by the late Burt Reynolds. There will be three trim and four performance packages available. All cars are built in convertible drag with an optional removable hardtop. The entry-level performer starts with GM’S LT-1 450hp 6.2L and tops out with TAW’s LS6/X 454 option—a streetable 1,500+ rear-wheel-horsepower musclecar, limited to only 25 units. Trans Am Worldwide will also offer a 396 performance option. All cars will be available in manual or automatic. For the purists, there will be heritage colors to choose from, and those who prefer something more vibrant can choose from several modern tri-stage custom colors. The 70/SS model will start at $150,000.
AirSept Selects Marion Parkes as Procurement Manager
AirSept has announced the addition of Marion Parkes as the company’s new procurement manager. Parkes is responsible for both direct and indirect strategic sourcing strategies and processes and will oversee the establishment of best practices for procure-to-pay processes for all transactions. She also manages all vendor relationships and contractual KPIs and metrics to ensure product pricing, discounts and rebates are properly applied.
Parkes has more than 20 years of experience in supply-chain management and retail disciplines and is proficient in Dynamics, D365, Manhattan Inventory Optimization and Scorecard Management. She is based at AirSept’s corporate headquarters in Atlanta.
Parkes was formerly purchasing manager for Genuine Parts Company, where she was responsible for purchasing and inventory of more than $300 million of finished goods at five hubs supporting 57 NAPA distribution centers. She has extensive experience in under car and heavy-duty product categories. As the lead on the NAPA inventory steering committee, she was adept at improving inventory turns, spend, profit and service levels while also making recommendations on purchasing policies, product quality, process improvement and vendor collaboration.
Team Allied Distribution Acquires Indy Exhaust Products
Team Allied Distribution—the wholesale distributor of exhaust, performance, and accessories based in Benicia, California—has announced the acquisition of Indy Exhaust Products in Indianapolis. Team Allied Distribution is a 100% employee-owned company with more than 200 employees across 21 warehouse facilities in the western and mid-western United States. Indy Exhaust Products specializes in the distribution of automotive exhaust and radiator components, including mufflers, pipes, exhaust tips, catalytic converters, hydraulic pipe benders, tools, accessories and more. Its distribution network covers Indiana, Illinois, Ohio and Kentucky. For more information, visit team-allied.com and indyexhaust.com.
Dynamat Inc. Announces Partnership With Kindig-It Design
Dynamat Inc. has announced a partnership with Kindig-It Design and Dave Kindig, the star of Motor Trend TV’s “Bitchin’ Rides.” Kindig offers start-to-finish builds for custom vehicles, known as Restomods.
“We’re really excited about this partnership, everyone knows the Dynamat name—they are the verb in the industry, and deservedly so,” Kindig said. ”They created the market and paved the way for the sound deadening industry, going back more than 30 years. Dynamat is known for delivering the highest quality products which aligns with the same vision that we have, here at Kindig-It Design.”
John Concialdi Leaves AEM, Joins Advanced Engineering and Design
John “JC” Concialdi, the founder of AEM Performance Electronics, has announced his retirement from the racing electronics manufacturing company based in Hawthorne, California. He moves to a new position as president of Advanced Engineering and Design, the freelance engineering and design company in Murrieta, California.
“I am the founder of AEM Performance Electronics, and 35 years into it, we sold to Holley Performance Products. While they have been good to work with, it’s time to start something new,” Concialdi said in a LinkedIn post. “The employees at AEM through the years are rock stars, especially the ones there today. The talent pool...is unmatchable. I could not have asked for a better business partner in (AEM CEO) Greg Neuwirth. Seriously, I could go down the entire list of employees at AEM, and there is just one amazing person after another. I love them all as if they are family.”
EQ Systems Announces Move to Cassopolis, Michigan
EQ United—the logistics provider and manufacturer of components for motorsports trailers and more markets—and its manufacturing operations, EQ Systems, have announced a move to Cassopolis, Michigan.
“We are eager to become a part of the local community and landscape, provide a great place to work, and a strong partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC),” EQ United COO Jason Loose said. “We are striving for more in-house manufacturing, and currently, we are working on doubling our cylinder manufacturing and producing wire harnesses and battery cables for many outside markets.”
The new location is four miles from the Indiana state line and is about 30 minutes from Elkhart, Indiana, where EQ United’s EQ Logistics is based. For more information, visit eqsystems.us.
Torqued Distribution Adds Alessandra Holmes to Sales Team
Torqued Distribution, the motorsports and automotive performance warehouse distributor based in South San Francisco, has announced Alessandra “Ali” Holmes has joined the company in a senior sales role. Prior, Holmes was with Turn 14 Distribution based in Horsham, Pennsylvania, for more than six years. She held various positions, including senior sales specialist (European), new account sales specialist, and senior customer service representative. Holmes is an avid auto enthusiast who has owned eight Volkswagen cars, including a Jazz Blue 20th Anniversary Edition Golf GTI and an MK4-based Golf R32.
NGK Spark Plugs Announces Executive Changes
NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.) has announced changes within its executive team, including the appointment of four individuals. Clair Stewart II has joined the company as vice president of supply-chain management, where he will be responsible for procurement, materials, packaging and logistics. Before, Stewart was employed by Autokiniton Global Group for more than 15 years, where he most recently served as vice president of the supply chain.
Mark Pratt has been promoted to director of supply-chain management, where he will be responsible for planning and fulfillment operations. Pratt was previously the general manager of the supply chain and has been with NGK Spark Plugs for 28 years.
Jeff Desveaux has been promoted to general manager of strategic growth and partnerships. In this newly created role, Desveaux will be responsible for creating, sourcing and developing new business opportunities. He began his career with NGK Spark Plugs Canada in 2003 and most recently was general manager of NGK Spark Plugs Canada.
Richard Ebert joins NGK Spark Plugs as general manager of finance, filling a recently vacated position. He will be responsible for financial reporting, corporate accounting, accounts receivable and payables administration, financial planning and analysis, and manufacturing operations finance. Prior, Ebert held financial roles of increasing responsibility with Johnson Controls and Amcor, where he served as manufacturing finance director.
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