By SEMA Editors
 A one-of-a-kind ’14 Ford F-150 Raptor built by West Coast Customs sold for $250,000 at the Mecum Dallas Auction, September 6, 2014. | |
MobilityWorks Raises $250,000 for Veterans With Disabilities at Mecum Dallas Auction
MobilityWorks has announced the sale of a one-of-a-kind ’14 Ford F-150 Raptor at the Mecum Dallas Auction, September 6, 2014. The custom vehicle, built by West Coast Customs, sold for $250,000. All proceeds from this sale benefit veterans with disabilities through The MobilityWorks Foundation Cars for Troops initiative, and help deserving veterans afford wheelchair-accessible vehicles and other adaptive driving devices.
Cars for Troops is an effort of The MobilityWorks Foundation—a non-profit organization that offers transportation support and services to mobility-challenged individuals, their families and support organizations throughout the United States. The Cars for Troops program furthers the organization’s mission to make the world more accessible for veterans with disabilities.
“The VA only grants veterans a small amount of money to purchase wheelchair-accessible vehicles; that’s where the Cars for Troops program steps in,” said Staff Sergeant Jack Pierce, United States Marine Core Retired. “The money raised today will provide a number of veterans accessible vehicles, all in an effort to help them regain their freedom of mobility.”
A Marine Color Guard and distinguished group of disabled veterans escorted the vehicle into position on stage. Lively bidding among multiple bidders drove the sale price to $250,000. An additional $30,000 in cash donations were made from the auction floor. Sponsors included BraunAbility, West Coast Customs, Magnaflow, Bully Dog, LM Tire & Wheel and BDS Suspension.
Dometic Group Signs Purchase Agreement With Atwood Mobile Products
Dometic Group has signed an exclusive purchase agreement with Atwood Mobile Products, a global provider in designing, engineering and manufacturing appliances and hardware for the RV, on-/off-highway and marine industries for more than 50 years. Dometic reports that the acquisition will complement and further diversify its existing product offerings and strengthen the company’s global footprint. “The key rationale behind this important acquisition is that it will expand our product range offered to our North American and global customers,” said Roger Johansson, president and CEO of Dometic Group. “With Atwood as part of our Group, we will be able to offer high-quality water heaters, ventilation technology, windows and doors, innovative furnaces, and more—products which have not been included in our present North American offering.” Atwood’s primary markets are North America and Australia. The company has 775 employees and annual sales of approximately $200 million.
Tata Technologies Promotes Warren Harris to CEO
Tata Technologies has promoted Warren Harris to CEO and managing director. Harris, formerly the company's president and COO, has a 26-year tenure with the company. His responsibilities have ranged from engineer to technical management in multiple geographies around the world. As president and COO, a position he held since 2005, Harris was responsible for the company's day-to-day operations globally, including accelerating revenue growth and delivering value to customers. Harris succeeds the retiring Patrick McGoldrick, who spent more than 20 years leading the global engineering services and product development company. McGoldrick is retiring at age 65 per Tata group policy, but will continue providing counsel to the Board of Directors in retirement. Tata Technologies Board of Directors Chairman S Ramadorai said, "Warren's appointment ensures continuity of leadership as the company accelerates growth as a strategic, full-service product development partner for clients in the automotive, aerospace and industrial machinery markets."
ESAB Launches Redesigned Website
ESAB Cutting Systems launched a redesigned website featuring a more streamlined, modern design. The new site, www.esab-cutting.com, offers extensive information about ESAB’s comprehensive line of cutting products and processes, as well as expanded resources in an easy-to-navigate format. The website features in-depth content on ESAB cutting machines, process solutions, technologies, controls, software systems, and technology upgrades. The new Cutting Systems site is compatible with today’s browsers and is responsive to adjust to individual screen sizes for viewing on a tablet or mobile device.
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