 Brian Van Koevering was named the new powersports market manager for Design Engineering Inc. | |
By SEMA Editors
Brian Van Koevering Named DEI Powersports Market Manager
Design Engineering Inc. (DEI) hired Brian Van Koevering as its new powersports market manager. The addition of Koevering is based on DEI's reported growth since its inception in 2008, necessitating a dedicated market manager. Van Koevering has close to 15 years of powersports marketing and brand-management experience in past positions. Van Koevering began his position in September and is responsible for driving revenue growth for the entire powersports market segment which includes: motorcycle, personal watercraft, ATV/UTV/off-road, snowmobile and marine. He reports to Tom Miller, vice president of sales and marketing.
THI Announces Acquisition of Applied Products
Tectum Holdings Inc. (THI), manufacturer of tonneau covers, bedliners and related truck accessories, announced the acquisition of Applied Products Inc., dba Retrax. Through THI's brands—Extang, TruXedo, BedRug, UnderCover, Advantage and Retrax brands—the company is a leader in the U.S. light-duty truck accessory aftermarket. Located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, Retrax is a leading manufacturer of retractable, low-profile truck bed covers that feature polycarbonate or aluminum covers, which retract on ball-bearing rollers into a storage canister and can be locked in any position. Scott Fuller, who will continue in his role as general manager of Retrax, commented that, “The entire Retrax team is excited to join forces with THI. We have always admired THI and its reputation in the marketplace for quality and innovation. The opportunity to partner with THI will accelerate our growth and new-product development initiatives as well as expand our distribution network. We are honored to be a part of THI’s family of industry leading brands and believe it is a perfect fit for Retrax and its employees.”
Nick Chin Named American Force Marketing Director
 Marketing professional Nick Chin was named marketing director for American Force Wheels Inc. | |
American Force Wheels Inc. named marketing professional Nick Chin as marketing director. "Nick's marketing expertise coupled with his long history of success makes him an excellent addition to our team," said American Force President Ray Shadravan. "His skills encompass both design and marketing, which is the optimal combination to help secure our position as an industry leader." Previously, Chin worked at Arospeed, Shadravan's former company and the predecessor to American Force. There he was also marketing and art director, responsible for graphic and package design, branding, trade show planning, website design, product photography and media relations. In 2003, Chin launched his own appearance chemical company, Shining Monkey, which formulates and sells premium car-care products, including washes, polishes, waxes, glazes and protectants.
Bilstein Shock Absorbers Sponsors La Carrera Panamericana Race 2013
Bilstein Shock Absorbers announced its sponsorship of the La Carrera Panamericana Race 2013. The race, which starts in Veracruz, Mexico, on October 25, and ends in Zacatecas on October 31, will include nightly media events and coverage on their Bilstein media outlets. The La Carrera Panamericana dates back to the ’50s, when Bilstein was developing the first monotube gas pressure shock for Mercedes-Benz. It is a true test of driving and tuning skills through a combination of extreme humidity and heat, freezing cold and elevation changes on a road that goes from sea level to 3,000 meters in a 72-hour period.
CCL Design Acquires Rights to Nano-Fusion
CCL Design recently announced that it acquired the worldwide rights to the Nano-Fusion paint-protection film. The product line and related intellectual property were acquired by CCL from Avery Dennison as part of the Office & Consumer Products and Designed & Engineered Solutions transaction that was completed in July.
 Heather Tausch has joined Enerpulse Inc. as marketing director. | |
Heather Tausch Named Enerpulse Inc. Marketing Director
Heather Tausch has joined Enerpulse Inc. as marketing director. Tausch brings more than 10 years of experience in marketing and sales to her new position at Enerpulse. Most recently Tausch worked for Sun Healthcare Group where she managed all Internet marketing efforts and assisted in print and public relations activities for the national health care company. In 2010 she helped launch the Albuquerque LivingSocial website.
Bryan Steinbock Named 2013 Dream Maker of the Year
 WyoTech instructor Bryan Steinbock earned the 2013 Dream Maker of the Year award, which honors instructors who go above and beyond to deliver ideal education in the classroom, as well as through community events and training to help students achieve career goals. | |
Bryan Steinbock, an instructor at WyoTech in Laramie, Wyoming, has earned the 2013 Dream Maker of the Year award. Presented by WyoTech’s parent company, Corinthian Colleges Inc., the Dream Maker of the Year award recognizes instructors who go above and beyond to deliver the best education in the classroom, get students involved on campus and in the community, and help students get the training they need to achieve career goals. After a successful career as a welder where his work required a high level of skill and precision for projects such as NASA’s Hubble telescope, Steinbock chose a teaching career because he wanted to influence the success of others. While Steinbock’s technical skills and the mastery of his craft are superior, it’s his ability to inspire students who previously were struggling that sets him apart. His motivational attitude teaches his students to strive for success and pursue excellence. He spends extra hours outside of the classroom working with students and continues his support after graduation, volunteering his expertise to former students who are working or competing in motorsports.
First Stamping Press Running at New GM Facility in Arlington, Texas
The first of three stamping presses is up and running at the newest General Motors (GM) stamping facility in Arlington, Texas. The $200 million contiguous stamping plant adds 180 jobs to GM’s Arlington manufacturing complex and is one of 10 contiguous stamping operations globally that started production in the last five years. The first Arlington-stamped product was a ’14 Cadillac Escalade. The new stamping facility will produce large metal parts, such as doors, hoods and side panels, for the next generation of fullsize SUVs. The Arlington plant is the lone source for Chevrolet Tahoes, Suburbans, GMC Yukons and Cadillac Escalades sold globally. As part of the stamping plant opening ceremony, GM, the GM Foundation and UAW leaders announced $75,000 in contributions to local charities.
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