A Winning Pair
The Automotive Parts Rebuilders Association (APRA) and the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association (ATRA) will both be holding their annual expositions at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas prior to the AAPEX and SEMA Shows. Combining the two shows – APRA’s The BIG R Show and ATRA’s Powertrain Expo – into one all-encompassing exhibit
Ohio Technical College Celebrates 40 Years of Automotive Training
Alot has changed in the world of automotive technology since 1969, withV8 muscle cars making way for high-tech hybrids and the days ofdo-it-yourself repairs being replaced by professional technicianservice. The same holds true for leading automotive school OhioTechnical College, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary as apremier provider of hands-on technical training. This milestone
Manage, Lead, Train or Educate?
Lately, I’ve been reading a lot of management material that was written by Peter Drucker, who is generally recognized as “the father of modern management.” His style leans toward understanding relationships within management teams and bringing out the best in people to produce excellent results. This leads me to ask, if you were to evaluate
Rebuilding the CAT 3208 Diesel
Since information from Caterpillar is always held very tight within the family it was very hard to get an accurate history of how the relationship all came about, so if I’m a bit off in my timeline, forgive me. I assure you, it won’t affect the content of this article. The bottom line is, Ford
The Top 10 Common Pricing Mistakes Most Companies Make
Price strategy is emerging as the most important resource for companies to increase their competitive advantage. The vast majority of companies have spent years achieving gains through cost cutting, outsourcing, process re-engineering and the adoption of innovative technologies. However, the incremental benefits from these important activities are diminishing, and companies need to look at other
SSSSSnake Bit!
In 1974, America watched 93 cars get destroyed in a 34-minute car chase. “Gone In 60 Seconds,” an independent film written, produced and directed by and starring Toby Halicki was an otherwise forgettable ’70s movie. The plot revolved around Mandrian Pace (Halicki) and his car thief cronies and 48 cars that they needed to steal
‘Taking Advantage of a Difficult Economy’ Seminar to be Featured at the BIG R Show
APRA will hold a seminar on Sunday afternoon November 1, 2009 during the BIG R Show entitled “Taking Advantage of a Difficult Economy” conducted by Will Burnett and Jon Gormin from Owner Resource Group of Austin, Texas. APRA’s President, Bill Gager said, “Owner Resource Group will provide an overview of the current economic environment and
The MAHLE Group Appoints Dan Moody as New General Manager
During his 3-year career with the MAHLE Group, Moody has served as a key coordinator of several acquisition projects, including the Dana Engine Parts business. Most recently he led the MAHLE Clevite Global Bearing business. In his new role, Moody will assume the management responsibilities for all North American Aftermarket activities, which include MAHLE Clevite
Engine Part Coatings: Is Beauty Only Skin Deep?
Outside of the engine building community, people think of coatings and think of something dipped in chocolate and rolled in candy. For us it’s a little different, especially with engine coatings – even though it may be candy to your engine parts business. So let’s just clear this up right now: there is no caramel,
Savannah, GA to Host 64th Annual PERA Conference
Since 1733, Savannah, GA, has been welcoming visitors with genuine Southern hospitality. This fall, the Production Engine Remanufacturers Association will join Bagger Vance, Max Cady and Forrest Gump as visitors to this beautiful city for the 64th Annual PERA Fall Conference, September 24-26. The conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Savannah on the
APRA Launches ‘In It to Win It’ Campaign
TheAutomotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA) has launched acampaign to promote the 2009 International BIG R Show to potentialexhibitors and attendees. The 2009 International Big R Show will takeplace Oct. 31 – Nov. 2 in Las Vegas. The BIG R Show will be co-located at The Riviera Hotel & Casinowith ATRA’s Powertrain Expo. Both shows take
Crane Cams To Be Purchased By Scorpion Performance, Holds Job Fair
Scorpion Performance, Inc., a high performance valvetrain parts manufacturer, recently announced that it is in the process of buyingCrane Cams, which closed its doors in February and was scheduled for a liquidation sale in April. Crane Cams has been in business 56 years and is one of the best-known brands in the industry. Scorpion Performance
Engine Builder Shop Solutions: March 2009
Top 10 Machine Shop Business Tips Engine Pro recently held a series of 8 focus-group meetings in the Midwest. Each meeting consisted of 8 to 10 machine shop owners and a moderator. Three questions were asked during the meeting. “What’s working? What’s not working? What do you need most to help you ‘make it’ for
SEMA Develops Series of Workshops in Response to Economic Crisis
Aseries of new workshops to help SEMA member businesses survive thesevere economic crisis is scheduled to begin later this month. The “2009 SEMA Recession Survival Series” recognizes that for many,corporate lay-offs, budget-cuts and careful management have becomeunfortunate business realities. Topics in the workshop series willaddress today’s urgent issues, including managing cash flow, retainingthe best employees,
SEMA Develops Series of Workshops in Response to Economic Crisis
Aseries of new workshops to help SEMA member businesses survive thesevere economic crisis is scheduled to begin later this month. The “2009 SEMA Recession Survival Series” recognizes that for many,corporate lay-offs, budget-cuts and careful management have becomeunfortunate business realities. Topics in the workshop series willaddress today’s urgent issues, including managing cash flow, retainingthe best employees,
Herman Trend Alert: Older Workers Recognized as More Valuable
Employers are increasingly turning to older and previously retiredworkers for hard-to-fill positions for two reasons. First, they will dopractically anything to reduce costs and second, employers, like mostof us, are uncertain of the near-term future. We are already seeing anuptick in the number of special projects given to these seasonedemployees. The good news about hiring
Herman Trend Alert: 2009 Workforce/Workplace Forecast
Each year at this time, The Herman Group issues its annual forecast.This year, once more, we offer you our full forecast for the comingyear: 1. Certain Skill Sets Continue to be in Short Supply. In spite of the global economic slowdown and massive layoffs, certainskill sets are in short supply. All but the most short-sightedemployers
10 Benefits Valued Most by Employees
Asyou work harder, smarter and faster to overcome the effects of theeconomic downturn, you need all hands on deck. Everyone at your shopneeds to be working together toward a common goal — providing thehighest quality repairs and top-notch customer service so that yourshop traffic continues to increase and profits follow along anupward path. Thisunified front
Diesel Cylinder Head Rebuilding
If you have ever tried to start most diesel engines in cold weather, you know that you have to have an engine heater, or you have to have a starting aid like starting fluid. These engines most commonly did not have a computer, and the fuel pressure would be in the range of around 3,000