By Della Domingo
 The SEMA Garage is equipped with a FaroArm, which is used to take precise 3D measurements for manufacturing parts. | |
Join hundreds in the industry at the first-ever SEMA Garage Open House taking place Thursday, July 17, 2014, from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. at SEMA Headquarters in Diamond Bar, California.
“The recent completion of the Photo Studio marks the completion of the fourth component of the SEMA Garage–Industry Innovations Center, and represents a key milestone,” said Mike Spagnola, vice president of OE and product development. “The SEMA Garage now includes all the tools and resources needed for members to develop products from beginning to end.”
The evening will feature a tour of the state-of-the-art 15,000-sq.-ft. facility that includes the following four components:
- Installation Center: Includes two vehicle lifts, a portable coordinate measuring machine (CMM), a 3D printer, digital race car scales and more. In collaboration with automakers, new model vehicles are often available to help manufacturers develop products and have them ready for sale when the vehicles are made available to the public.
- Dyno and Emissions Lab: Fully certified Executive Order (EO) aftermarket-part certification lab. Working in conjunction with the Automobile Club of Southern California's Automotive Research Center, members are able to obtain certifications at an affordable, low cost.
- Photo Studio: Includes two coves, including one large enough to fit a fullsize vehicle and complete with a 30x10-ft. adjustable light box. The studio includes an abundance of lighting equipment, strobes and umbrellas.
- Training Facility: Ideal for sales meetings or training demonstrations, the room includes a high-tech video monitor with Internet access and more.
Guests of the SEMA Garage Open House will be able to have their photo taken next to the iconic Barris Batmobile and other custom vehicles on display; enjoy food, drinks and music; and mingle with industry celebrities. In fact, shortly after the Photo Studio was completed earlier this year, the SEMA Garage hosted rock guitarist Billy Gibbons and his project car, which SO-CAL Speed Shop is preparing for the 2014 SEMA Show.
“The SEMA Garage is the ultimate production facility,” said Spagnola. “The building was purpose-built to include state-of-the-art equipment specific to auto-parts manufacturers. We’ve further filled the SEMA Garage with tools and equipment, so that members simply need to show up and do what they do best.”
If you have a cool custom car you want to show off, SEMA has limited space available. Vehicles must arrive between 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. and be approved in advance.
The next Measuring Session to be held at the SEMA Garage will be July 15, featuring the ’15 Ford Mustang and F-150. Register now!
RSVP online for the SEMA Garage Open House. Don't miss this one-of-a-kind event!
For details or to RSVP to attend the SEMA Garage Open House or display your custom vehicle at the event, contact Rachael Salazar at rachaels@sema.org. For more information about the SEMA Garage, contact Mike Spagnola at mikes@sema.org.