Executive Interview with Bill Skok, President of Elgin Industries
BillSkok is president of Elgin Industries, a leading global manufacturer oforiginal equipment and replacement engine and chassis products for theautomotive and commercial vehicle markets. Skok joined the company,founded in 1919 by his grandfather, Martin Skok Sr., as governmentsales administrator in 1985 and became vice president of OEM sales in1988. He was named president of the
CNC Machines for Heavy-Duty or Industrial Engines
On one hand, automating certain commonly performed machining processes means you only have to do the initial setup once and the machine does the rest. It frees up the machine operator to do something else, and it reduces the risk of human error when doing tedious, repetitive tasks. On the other hand, making the transition
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
Crane Cams’ Auction Company Says Sale Not Done
LiquiTec Industries Inc., which has been engaged to liquidate the assets of Crane Cams Inc. of Daytona Beach, Fla., one of the largest manufacturers of camshafts and valve train components for the performance industry, says that the deal to sell the company to Scorpion Performance is in serious negotiations but not yet a done deal.
E-Commerce: Is A Web Presence Right For Your Business Model?
E-commerce is one of those things that sounds too good to be true. To start with, you can do business from virtually any geographic location that has daily UPS or FedEx service, which means you can live just about anywhere you want. The mantra of location, location, location for a retail store just doesn’t apply.
Give Yourself A Lift
I thought it was time to supply a new photo for these articles. Yes, I have become a little older and maybe a little wiser but you can make your own decision about that. According to my wife I’m just older. So anyway the updated photo was way past due. This month I am going
Crane Cams Closes, Could Reopen Later This Spring
Several auto enthusiast outlets reported recently that 56-year oldCrane Cams has shuttered its doors and laid off most if its employees. Since then, AutoWeek has reported that the company may be back in business sometime later this month. According to the report, the company plans to reopen afterrestructuring, which could take up to 30 days.
Ford’s Cleveland Engine Plant No. 1 Resumes Production; First Site to Build EcoBoost Engines
FordMotor Co. is resuming production at its storied Cleveland Engine PlantNo. 1, which becomes the first manufacturing site to build Ford’s newfuel-efficient EcoBoost engines. The plant, idled since 2007, is ramping up pre-production of 3.5-literEcoBoost V-6 engines that will be optional on the 2010 Lincoln MKS,Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex and come standard on the
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,
Management: 10 Areas of Your Business to Examine for the New Year
After a crazy 2008 with gas prices ranging from more than $4 per gallon to below $1.50, a presidential election, a financial meltdown, a drop in miles driven and a federal loan to the Detroit Three, we are now into 2009 with great hopes of good days ahead. These tough times make every owner take
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
Cummins Revises 2008 Outlook to Reflect Worsening Economic Conditions
Cummins Inc. has revised its outlook for 2008 due to the continuing decline in many of its key markets around the world. The company said it now expects 2008 sales to increase by 9 percentover 2007, compared to its previous guidance of a 12 percent increase.Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) is forecast to be
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
COMP Cams, NASCAR Commit To Decade-Long Performance Partnership
COMP Cams and NASCAR have inked an historic agreement to be continue as official Automotive Performance Partners for the next ten years. This status makes COMP Cams an exclusive NASCAR Performance partner, arming COMP with the brand and marketing assets for its high performance products. “We are truly excited to have been able to renew
Performance Warehouse Association Presents Awards at SEMA Industry Awards Banquet
PWA Person of the Year: Bob Cook The PWA recently honored Bob Cook as PWA Person of the Year duringthe 2008 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet. Like many of his colleagues,Cook developed his passion for the automotive industry at an early age,and turned it into a lifelong career. “I’d always liked cars,” Cook recalled, “and when
APRA to Expand Education Program at BIG R Show
The Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA) has expanded the education program at this year’s BIG R Show, according to APRA President Bill Gager. All seminars, as well as the exposition, will be held in the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on November 1-3, 2008. Below are the seminars and workshops currently scheduled: •
Economic Downturn Fuels Theft in Aftermarket
Unfortunately, bad economic times often translate into an increase in theft, robbery and fraud. When dishonest and desperate people need money, your customers’ vehicles are attractive targets. Thieves cruise automotive business lots looking for vehicle with aftermarket stereo systems, wheels and other add-ons that can be removed quickly and sold on the street for a
Engine Builder Shop Solutions: September 2008
Top 10 Machine Shop Business Tips TIP #2 – Get The Job In The Door: As one shop owner who is also a fly fisherman put it, “You gotta set the hook.” Most shop owners would agree that once the job hits the floor it turns to cash. The key to getting more jobs to
2009 Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week Education Program Announced
The Heavy Duty AftermarketWeek (HDAW) ’09 Education Committee has defined six education programsbased upon the event theme, "Maximizing Opportunities in ChallengingTimes." HDAW will be held Monday, Feb. 16 through Thursday, Feb. 19, atthe Rosen Centre Hotel and Orange County Convention Center in Orlando,Fla. Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week is an all-industry, independentdistributor focused, all-inclusive, business to