Keystone Automotive Operations has acquired selected assets of Arrow Speed Warehouse. On September 22, Keystone Automotive bid for certain assets of the business, and the transaction closed on November 7. This acquisition gives Keystone Automotive additional resources and customer reach to grow the business in the Midwest region, the company said. Arrow Speed is known for its customer service and marketing capabilities; Keystone plans to integrate this expertise into its operations. The company said synergies are expected to benefit Keystone in both the short- and long-term as the company remains focused on leveraging its core strengths: inventory availability, timely delivery and superior customer service.
"Despite challenging economic and industry conditions, we strongly believe that as an industry leader we must continue to invest to serve our customers and partners effectively," said Ed Orzetti, chief executive officer of Keystone Automotive Operations. "We are excited about the capabilities Arrow Speed brings to Keystone, especially in the areas of customer relationships and marketing. This is an investment that will put Keystone on even stronger footing as we look forward to profitable future growth."
AIM Parts appointed Gary McQuillen as the company’s new general manager. For the past 11 years, McQuillen served as vice president of manufacturing for AIM. McQuillen has more than 40 years of experience in the remanufacturing industry. Prior to joining AIM, he spent 19 years as plant manager at World Generator Company in South Holland, Illinois. Before that he worked for 11 years at General Electric Company in Chicago Heights, Illinois, serving as production manager.
Gary McQuillen
Winston Guillory was named the president of RaySat Broadcasting Corporation. Guillory was previously senior vice president of consumer and enterprise at NAVTEQ. Prior to joining NAVTEQ, Guillory was senior vice president for the Intermec Global Sales organization. He now serves on several boards of directors and advisory boards for several innovative companies in the location-based services market.
J. F. Launier of JF Kustoms in Osyoos, British Columbia, was presented with the 2008 Goodguys Trendsetter award during the 2008 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Launier accepted the award during the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Awards reception at the SEMA Show (HRIA is a SEMA council). The Goodguys Trendsetter Award is presented annually at the SEMA Show to rising young talents in the realm of rod and custom car building.
Launier, 33, got started early in the custom-car scene. He completed his first build, a '51 Mercury pickup, when he was just 16 years old. His career accelerated during the new millennium with groundbreaking custom builds and six appearances on the hit show “Overhaulin’.”
Launier’s breakout custom came in 2006 when he debuted a '51 Kaiser 2-door named ”Kontageous,” which won the coveted Chip Foose Design Excellence Award at the 2006 Grand National Roadster show as well as a finalist bid for the 2006 Goodguys Custom Rod of the Year. For more information about JF Kustoms and to see their latest projects, visit www.desertspeedshop.com.
J. F. Launier
Stillwater Designs hired Deon Bearden as KICKER’s new acoustic engineer. His previous work experiences contributed to his extensive knowledge of acoustics and mobile audio. His start at DIY Audio in 1992 gave him the hands-on experience that turned his hobby into a career. Following stints at Klipsch Audio Technologies, TC Sounds and B-52 Professional, he decided to make the move to Stillwater Designs.
Mickey Thompson Tires and Tire Group International (TGI) have entered into an agreement that will allow TGI to distribute Mickey Thompson tires and wheels as well as Dick Cepek tires in South Florida and throughout Central America, South America and the Caribbean. TGI will carry the full line of Mickey Thompson tires and wheels in its Miami distribution center.