CSK Auto buys two chains in Northwest PHOENIX, Ariz.—CSK Auto Corp., the self-proclaimed largest automotive parts and accessories retailer in the western U.S., has bought 194 Grand Auto Supply and Al's Auto Supply stores in the Pacific Northwest.
With the purchase, from heavy truck maker Paccar Inc., CSK's scope expands to more than 1,100 stores throughout 17 western states. Annual sales exceed $1 billion.
While CSK hopes to be able to improve the stores' operating margins by introducing more commerical-oriented programs, Grand Auto and Al's Auto will continue to offer tires as part of their product mix, CSK President James Bazlen said. Among their product offerings is the Cordovan brand.
Together, Grand Auto and Al's Auto generated $225 million in sales in the past 12 months, CSK said, although only a small percentage came from tires.
CSK's other outlets—Checker Auto Parts, Schuck's Auto Supply, Kragen Auto Parts and Big Wheel/Rossi—do not offer tires. The chain says it caters to the do-it-yourself customer, but with increasing emphasis on ``do-it-for-me'' business.
CGT workers reject proposed contract
BRYAN, Ohio—Members of United Steelworkers of America Local 890 at Continental General Tire Inc.'s Bryan plant voted 3-to-1 against a contract offer that would have extended through Dec. 10, 2006.
The proposed 12-hour shifts (up from 8 hours) at the Bryan plant, which produces bias-ply agricultural, off-the-road and industrial tires, are too much to ask of the workers, Local 890 President Bob Willis said.
``They're building large bias-ply tires on old tire equipment,'' he said. ``I don't think the company is taking into account the physical aspects of the job. This plant is different from the others.''
Negotiations prior to the settlement of the year-long strike at Conti General's Charlotte, N.C., passenger tire plant, included new deals with the Bryan local and USWA Local 665 in Mayfield, Ky., which staffs the company's radial passenger and light truck tire plant there.
The Mayfield local approved a new contract Oct. 3 that extends through Oct. 15, 2006. The current contract at the Bryan plant doesn't expire until Dec. 10, 2000.