Federal-Mogul expands presence in China
SOUTHFIELD, Mich.-Continuing to grow its presence in China, automotive parts manufacturer Federal-Mogul Corp. has opened a new facility in Qingdao, China, to produce universal joints and chassis products for the aftermarket industry.
The factory opened its doors last October and is expected to add capacity throughout this year, according to Southfield-based Federal-Mogul.
The 100,000-sq.-ft. plant currently employs 60 and expects to add 40 jobs in the first quarter of 2005 as production volumes increase. Products manufactured at the facility include driveline and suspension products for Federal-Mogul's global customer base as well as for consumption in the domestic market in China.
``We opened this facility to meet customer demand for our universal joints and chassis products,'' said Greg Grigsby, vice president, chassis/brake, fuel and lighting operations, Federal-Mogul's Worldwide Aftermarket operations. ``We look forward to continuing to provide value-added solutions through high-quality parts and services to our OE and aftermarket customers not only in North America but also in emerging markets.''
The Qingdao facility, located in the Shandong Province and bordering the Yellow Sea, is Federal-Mogul's eighth plant in China. The company said the factory is positioned near critical suppliers as well as a piston facility.
Other Federal-Mogul products made in the region include disc brake pads, lined brake shoes, spark plugs, wiper blades, ignition leads, gaskets, bearings, bushings and piston rings.
Seyfer named chairman of CARS 2005 show
BEDFORD, Texas-Longtime Automotive Service Association (ASA) member Don Seyfer will be chairman of the 2005 Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS), which is held in Las Vegas as part of Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week.
Mr. Seyfer, who owns and manages Seyfer Automotive Inc. in Wheat Ridge, Colo., with his son Donny, has held numerous industry and association leadership positions during his career. He started his career with four bays in his father's garage in 1961. Seyfer Automotive is an ASE Blue Seal of Excellence facility, a member of the Better Business Bureau and is AAA-approved.
A past NAPA Auto Care Council president and current council member, Mr. Seyfer also is a four-time NAPA/ASE Local Technician of the Year. He served as director of ASA's Mechanical Division from 1989 to 1994, and was Bedford, Texas-based ASA's chairman from 1996 to 1997.
CARS 2005 will be Nov. 3-5 at the Mirage hotel. The event is sponsored annually by ASA's Mechanical Division. The theme of this year's show is ``Tool Chest for Success.'' Additional information about the event, including schedules and online registration, will be available on the official CARS Web site, www.CARSonline.org, as it becomes available.
Scholarships offered for women auto techs
BETHESDA, Md.-Applications for scholarships from the Car Care Council's Women's Board are available online.
The scholarships are awarded to female students who are pursuing education for a career in the automotive aftermarket. One $1,000 scholarship and two $500 scholarships are available to students who have completed one year in an ASE-certified, post-secondary automotive technology program. Two $500 awards were offered to female high school students planning to attend a similar post-secondary program.
High school applications were due April 1; post-secondary applications are due May 13. Winners will be announced in July. Applications can be downloaded from http://women.carcare.org.