Compiled by SEMA Editors

Covercraft Industries is bringing its Wichita Falls production facility back online to expand the production of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) due to increased demand and need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Covercraft Expands Production of Personal Protective Equipment in Texas Facility

Covercraft Industries is bringing its Wichita Falls production facility back online to expand the production of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) due to increased demand and need during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company began PPE production in its Oklahoma facility March 30. At the time of this release, there were approximately 50 Oklahoma employees and 40 Texas employees brought back from furlough to produce protective gowns and masks. Groups or organizations in need of PPE products should contact Covercraft at 405-367-8930 or covercraftppe@covercraft.com.

Tenneco Partners With GM to Increase Production of Ventilators

Tenneco has partnered with General Motors to supply components to increase the production of ventilators needed to support the medical community. According to a statement from the company, partnering in and supporting this effort to help mitigate this widespread lack of vital equipment is something it is proud to be able to do.

CRP Technology Manufacturing Emergency Valves

CRP Technology is manufacturing several functional prototypes of emergency valves for reanimation devices and link-components for emergency respiratory masks for assisted ventilation. The CRP Technology’s Rapid Prototyping Department has used the 3D printing technology called HSS (High Speed Sintering) and the Windform P1 isotropic material to make both types of components. For more information, visit www.crptechnology.com.

Matt Beenen, 2018 SEMA Launch Pad winner, is shifting production at BuiltRight Industries to make face shields in order to meet the needs of his community, customers and their families in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic.

BuiltRight Industries to Make Face Shields for Medical Personnel

Matt Beenen, 2018 SEMA Launch Pad winner, is shifting production at BuiltRight Industries to make face shields in order to meet the needs of his community, customers and their families in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic. BuiltRight manufactures truck organization accessories and has a wide range of prototyping equipment in-house, so, Beenan selected a design for a protective face shield and proceeded to produce a 3D-printed frame. He found that clear binder covers, readily available through office supply outlets online, could be hole-punched to fit onto the face shield. He put his 3D printer to work, offered his online community the face shields and found the demand was overwhelming. One printer just wasn’t enough, so Beenan ordered four more 3D printers. With five printers running 12 hours a day, Beenan is producing and distributing 120 shields daily. He anticipates doubling that output in the coming week.

With growing demand and to expedite the request process, BuiltRight added the Protective Face Shield Kit as an online product—a package of five plastic frames and 10 replaceable shields for shipping cost plus $2 toward production. All components are washed and users are instructed to sanitize before use. Local hospitals, fire departments and first responder groups have reached out and are among those who received the first 500 face shields produced. For more information about BuiltRight or its face shield initiative, contact Beenen at matt@builtrightind.com.

ReadyLIFT Suspensions Acquires Zbroz Racing

ReadyLIFT Suspensions has announced that it has acquired Zbroz Racing—an aftermarket performance parts manufacturer focused on UTV and snowmobile suspension components. ReadyLIFT is a division of Wheel Pros, the preeminent distributor of proprietary branded aftermarket products for vehicles and powersports. Wheel Pros is backed by Clearlake Capital Group L.P.—a private investment firm. Financial terms of the transaction are not being disclosed. Zbroz was founded in 1998 by the four Zollinger brothers after their successful snowmobile hill climbing career. Today the company provides suspension products for snowmobiles and UTVs.

Fleece Performance to Develop Face Shields

Fleece Performance has redeployed its engineers and a portion of its flexible manufacturing space to develop, test, document, and begin producing a disposable full face shield for medical professionals nationwide. Officials report the ability to produce 500 shields per single shift, with up to 100,000 units made each day. For more information, visit www.fleeceperformance.com.

PRP to Produce Masks for Healthcare and Essential Workers

PRP, a manufacturer of suspension seats and accessories for off-road vehicles, has started to manufacture face masks out of its California facility to help protect healthcare and essential workers across the country. PRP will produce three different types of masks, as well as a plastic face shield. The first of the three—a one-piece mask—will be comprised of one layer of cotton jersey knit fabric. The second—a tri-fold mask—will have two-layer cotton knit. The last will be comprised of one layer of cotton, one layer of bamboo antimicrobial fabric and one layer of copper mesh. PRP has reached out to owners of essential businesses and is currently donating masks so they can remain open. Additionally, the company has been communicating with local healthcare facilities to donate the tri-fold masks with the copper mesh layer.

Lubrication Specialties is making an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to assist with preventative care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lubrication Specialties Inc. to Produce Hand Sanitizer in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

Lubrication Specialties Inc. (LSI) has announced it is redeploying a portion of the company’s Mt Gilead, Ohio, manufacturing facility and headquarters to make alcohol-based hand sanitizer to assist with preventative care during the COVID-19 pandemic. LSI will manufacture up to 4,500 bottles of 4 oz. hand-sanitizer over the next few weeks and continue operations as long as supplies of raw materials are available. The hand sanitizer will be a 75% isopropyl alcohol antiseptic, non-sterile solution.

Ray Weaver to Lead Quadratec Wholesale Division

Quadratec Inc. has appointed Ray Weaver to oversee its wholesale division. Weaver brings 22 years of management experience in automotive wholesale sales and marketing to the company. He will focus on acquiring and developing business-to-business relationships with resellers throughout the aftermarket Jeep landscape. He will be based at Quadratec’s headquarters in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and report to President and COO John Stewart. Weaver joins Quadratec following 10 years as northeast sales manager and national WD sales manger for Omix-ADA.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

Presenter Gene Marks of The Marks Group and a SEMA-member panelist group representing manufacturing, retail and distribution share candid insights and strategies on the impacts of COVID-19 for individuals and businesses. Guests include Kim Pendergast, CEO, Magnuson Superchargers; Jon Pulli, CEO, Turn 14 Distribution; and Tyler Copenhaver, managing director, Apex Custom LLC.

By SEMA Editors

Presenter Gene Marks of The Marks Group and a SEMA-member panelist group representing manufacturing, retail and distribution share candid insights and strategies on the impacts of COVID-19 for individuals and businesses. Guests include Kim Pendergast, CEO, Magnuson Superchargers; Jon Pulli, CEO, Turn 14 Distribution; and Tyler Copenhaver, managing director, Apex Custom LLC.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued two memos providing guidance to employers on the use of face coverings for workers. Recognizing that the federal government has encouraged non-healthcare employers to donate N-95 respirators to healthcare workers, OSHA is giving employers limited relief from OSHA’s Respiratory Protection standard during the COVID-19 crisis. Specifically, the first memo gives employers relief to extend the use of National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved respirators and to permit the reuse of them. The second memo allows employers in certain circumstances to use respirators approved by other countries when a NIOSH-approved respirator is unavailable.

In related news, on April 4, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that people wear cloth face coverings in public settings, especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. This recommended practice is in addition to maintaining 6-ft. social distancing. The simple cloth face coverings may be made from common materials and are not to be surgical masks or N-95 respirators, which are reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders.

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued two memos providing guidance to employers on the use of face coverings for workers. Recognizing that the federal government has encouraged non-healthcare employers to donate N-95 respirators to healthcare workers, OSHA is giving employers limited relief from OSHA’s Respiratory Protection standard during the COVID-19 crisis. Specifically, the first memo gives employers relief to extend the use of National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved respirators and to permit the reuse of them. The second memo allows employers in certain circumstances to use respirators approved by other countries when a NIOSH-approved respirator is unavailable.

In related news, on April 4, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that people wear cloth face coverings in public settings, especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. This recommended practice is in addition to maintaining 6-ft. social distancing. The simple cloth face coverings may be made from common materials and are not to be surgical masks or N-95 respirators, which are reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders.

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued two memos providing guidance to employers on the use of face coverings for workers. Recognizing that the federal government has encouraged non-healthcare employers to donate N-95 respirators to healthcare workers, OSHA is giving employers limited relief from OSHA’s Respiratory Protection standard during the COVID-19 crisis. Specifically, the first memo gives employers relief to extend the use of National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved respirators and to permit the reuse of them. The second memo allows employers in certain circumstances to use respirators approved by other countries when a NIOSH-approved respirator is unavailable.

In related news, on April 4, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that people wear cloth face coverings in public settings, especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. This recommended practice is in addition to maintaining 6-ft. social distancing. The simple cloth face coverings may be made from common materials and are not to be surgical masks or N-95 respirators, which are reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders.

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

A new video featuring Brittany and Kevin Williams of LiteBrite Studios at the 2019 SEMA Show is now available. Direct from the SEMA Show STAGE, the featured episode offers viewers the chance to get to know the social media influencers who have amassed more than 103,000 followers on their Instagram account and 113,000 subscribers on their YouTube account.

In addition to their extreme Jeep Driving YouTube Channel, Brittany and Kevin hold careers as professional drifters. Get to know their story as they share their insight on creating a dedicated YouTube following, how to monetize social media channels, and the importance of finding your niche and what you are passionate about.

“You definitely have to do something that you love, that you enjoy and you have to be able to be yourself while you do it,” said Brittany. “If you’re fake on camera, people feel it. And if you’re genuinely having fun, that type of excitement is insanely contagious.”

Additional talking points include their experience on joining the Netflix show “Hyperdrive,” how to overcome your fears by taking risks and creating a mindset capable of reaching your dreams. 

“That’s what living your life to the fullest is; when you see an opportunity, always seizing, no matter how small or big, just taking it,” said Kevin. “Because you never know who you are going to meet.”

In addition to her past experiences, Brittany also shares advice for women pursuing a career in motorsports and the benefits of listening to industry experts and seeking a mentor. 

“Mentors can have such a positive impact in terms of success and your entire life,” said Brittany. “What’s amazing is finding a mentor is so much easier than people think; the only thing is that you cannot be afraid to ask the question in the first place.”

Check out Brittany and Kevin’s full video and stay tuned to SEMA eNews for additional featured interviews powered by SEMA Education in partnership with the SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC). For the latest news and updates on the STAGE, follow SEMA Education on Facebook and Instagram.

By Ashley Reyes

A new video featuring Brittany and Kevin Williams of LiteBrite Studios at the 2019 SEMA Show is now available. Direct from the SEMA Show STAGE, the featured episode offers viewers the chance to get to know the social media influencers who have amassed more than 103,000 followers on their Instagram account and 113,000 subscribers on their YouTube account.

In addition to their extreme Jeep Driving YouTube Channel, Brittany and Kevin hold careers as professional drifters. Get to know their story as they share their insight on creating a dedicated YouTube following, how to monetize social media channels, and the importance of finding your niche and what you are passionate about.

“You definitely have to do something that you love, that you enjoy and you have to be able to be yourself while you do it,” said Brittany. “If you’re fake on camera, people feel it. And if you’re genuinely having fun, that type of excitement is insanely contagious.”

Additional talking points include their experience on joining the Netflix show “Hyperdrive,” how to overcome your fears by taking risks and creating a mindset capable of reaching your dreams. 

“That’s what living your life to the fullest is; when you see an opportunity, always seizing, no matter how small or big, just taking it,” said Kevin. “Because you never know who you are going to meet.”

In addition to her past experiences, Brittany also shares advice for women pursuing a career in motorsports and the benefits of listening to industry experts and seeking a mentor. 

“Mentors can have such a positive impact in terms of success and your entire life,” said Brittany. “What’s amazing is finding a mentor is so much easier than people think; the only thing is that you cannot be afraid to ask the question in the first place.”

Check out Brittany and Kevin’s full video and stay tuned to SEMA eNews for additional featured interviews powered by SEMA Education in partnership with the SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC). For the latest news and updates on the STAGE, follow SEMA Education on Facebook and Instagram.

By SEMA Editors

Tom Gattuso	Ron Coleman

MOTOR MEDIA Inc. and D1 Productions have announced a new, original podcast, “The Aftermarket Insider,” launching April 14, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT). Hosted by automotive aftermarket industry veteran and personality Joe Sebergandio, owner of MOTOR MEDIA Inc., “The Aftermarket Insider” will feature candid and insightful interviews with the biggest names and personalities from the automotive industry, and explore today’s hottest automotive trends and important issues affecting the aftermarket.

Tom Gattuso, SEMA’s vice president of events, and Ron Coleman, president of Driven Racing Oil, will headline the premier episode, in which viewers will be encouraged to send in questions or comments during the podcast for the guests to answer.

“The Aftermarket Insider” will also react to urgent matters in a timely fashion. For example, one of the first episodes will focus on how exactly the aftermarket is dealing with novel coronavirus, particularly as it relates to legendary automotive events and shows that are immediately feeling the impact of the quarantine, including HOT ROD Power Tour, NHRA, SEMA and PRI. Another upcoming episode will take listeners inside the first-ever Riyadh Auto Festival in Saudi Arabia to get the inside scoop on the process of putting on a show of this magnitude in the Middle East.

Sebergandio has worked in this industry for decades in various roles, including as publisher of multiple Petersen Publishing Co. automotive brands, such as Four Wheeler magazine, vice president of automotive events for eMAP and Primedia, and host of his annual Joe’s Minibike Reunion, for which he is also host of the podcast with the same name.

No topic will be off limits. “I have enough relationships, stories, curiosity and questions to entertain an audience and to give them very truthful and sometimes unbelievable stories of my own—and to get my guests talking, too,” Sebergandio said.

“The Aftermarket Insider” podcast will air a minimum of once per week starting April 14, then will expand to a minimum of twice per week in June. It will be offered in a 45–60-minute format. All “The Aftermarket Insider” podcasts will available at www.theaftermarketinsider.com in addition to Facebook (www.facebook.com/theaftermarketinsider) and Instagram (@TheAftermarketInsider).

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA)’s Volunteer Spotlight features Ben Winter of Transfer Flow, an active volunteer of TORA’s Education and Technology Sub-Committee, where he utilizes his 28 years of experience to educate and train council members in different truck and off-road segments of the industry.

His professional experience includes sales management, introducing service opportunities, and executing projects with successful profits. In 2010, he became director of business development with an emphasis on OEM sales and growth. His current role at Transfer Flow involves networking, customer maintenance, presenting new business and fielding diversity in manufacturing.

Get to know what inspired Winter to volunteer for TORA in his Q&A with the SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance.

What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry?

I really have a passion for what customers want, what their expectations are and what their trips are going to be. Being in the automotive and transportation segment, I am able to find out what they like to do; it may be commercial, recreation or government—I like to make sure that I find a product that we can offer and it fits exactly what their needs are.

I’ve been traveling through my years at Transfer Flow and learning the different segments. I really enjoy having that opportunity to grow with our customers, grow with our nation, and grow with innovation.

Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA? How has it or will it impact you?

Over my 28 years of being at Transfer Flow, I gained training, education and experience in the work truck off-road industry. What I was hoping to do was share that experience and training with this working group, as well as extract some information from other team members to make my company better, as well as to make the end users’ experience that much better.

What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?

What I like about this industry is that it’s ever moving. It’s always changing and it’s always innovating. If you’re prepared to be agile and work through those different lines of education and learning, then this is a great place for you to start a career. There’s always something changing. There’s always something new on the forefront, whether it’s through government agencies, or it’s vehicles through the OEMS or it’s alternative fuels. There’s always something that you need to be one step ahead and that one step ahead will make sure that your company has success in the automotive aftermarket and off-road segments.

What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?

It has to fit a lot of different characteristics. I have a family. I have of five kids, two of whom are out of the house, but I need to make sure my adventure vehicle is able to fit my family, my mountain bikes, all of my running gear and all of our camping equipment. So my dream vehicle would be a large SUV that’s able to get me off a beaten path. And that beaten path might not even be created yet, but I’d like to get back into some country that we can fish, go camping and ride our bikes around as a family.

My SUV would take me to a trailhead where I could do some running or do mountain bike riding. I can also take it to the back country to find a secret fishing spot and ultimately, I can take it across the country to the Boston marathon.