Compiled by SEMA Editors

Warn Industries Acquires Fab Fours

Warn Industries announced the acquisition of substantially all of the business and assets of Fab Fours Inc., a leading manufacturer of fabricated mounting solutions for trucks and jeeps.

Fab Fours’ product offering includes various metal-fabricated truck and Jeep bumper and accessory options. The company was founded in 2004 and is known for its vision, innovation, and willingness to take risks by developing polarizing concept.

Kyle Shiminski, vice president and general manager of Warn Industries, stated, “With last year’s acquisition of Factor 55, the recent acquisition of Fabtech, and now Fab Fours, Warn continues its strategy of aligning around premium brands while focusing on operational excellence. We are humbled by our customers’ loyalty and dedication to each of our brands and we are proud to continue our focus on designing and manufacturing in the United States. We have such a talented team that collaboratively works to enhance our offerings across each of our brands. We have long admired the Fab Fours brand and the growth and recognition that Greg and his team have achieved. We are excited to welcome Greg and the entire Fab Fours team to the Warn family.”

Fab Fours will operate as a division of Warn Industries. Fab Fours’ products are designed, tested, and manufactured in South Carolina. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Greg Higgs, owner and CEO of Fab Fours Inc., commented, “We are truly excited to bring Fab Fours into the Warn family. We have built a loyal customer base around great products and now we can combine them with Warn’s offerings. Our products complement each other and our talented resources across the businesses do as well. Aligning our businesses will help us all grow stronger together, and we look forward to introducing innovative new products to our customer base.” 

2021 AACF Bob Schoeberl Memorial Golf Tournament to be Held November 1

The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) has announced that the annual AACF Bob Schoeberl Memorial Golf Tournament will be held at Spanish Trail Country Club in Las Vegas, Monday, November 1, at 6:30 a.m. An industry cocktail reception will be held Sunday, October 31, at 5:30 p.m. Participants have the opportunity to win prizes, including golf clubs, balls and gloves, $500 Bridgestone/Firestone gift cards, an all-expense paid trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico (sponsored by Acel LLC) and more. Full information about the tournament is available on AACF’s website.

Torqued Distribution Hires Lou Lobsinger as Head of Sales and Marketing

Torqued Distribution has announced Lou Lobsinger as the company’s new head of sales and marketing. he joins the Torqued team with more than 20 years of automotive experience in marketing, sales and product development as the former national sales manager at Specialty Auto Parts USA/PROFORM and as co-founder of Detroit Muscle Apparel Inc. He will be responsible for the global sales and marketing teams, team leadership, driving revenue across all channels, contributing to product and vendor selection and general management responsibilities.

LSI Chemical Announces Indonesian Distributor

LSI Chemical has announced the addition of PT Papasari to the company’s growing roster of international distributors of both LSI Chemical and Hot Shot’s Secret products. PT Papasari, headquartered in Cakung, East Jakarta, and with offices and distribution facilities in Pontianak, West Kalimantan and Pegangsaan, North Jakarta, recently signed to market and distribute the full line of LSI Chemical fuel and oil additives, as well as Hot Shot’s Secret fuel and oil additives and specialty oils for aftermarket retail. Ivan Prasodjo will be the main contact at PT Papasari for sales of both LSI Chemical and Hot Shot’s Secret products.

The Wharton Automotive Group Acquires Silver Sport Transmissions

The Wharton Automotive Group has acquired Silver Sport Transmissions. Consisting of McLeod Racing and FTI Performance, The Wharton Automotive Group is owned by NHRA Nitro Funny Car driver and businessman Paul Lee, who closed the deal on Silver Sport Transmissions (SST) July 30. Lee continues to grow this sector of the driveline market. In 2019, Lee purchased FTI Performance, and now continues to grow his business strategy with the acquisition of Silver Sport Transmissions, which will continue to operate in its Rockford, Tennessee location.

Micah Anderson Joins Power Automedia as Editor Of Off Road Xtreme

Power Automedia has hired Micah Anderson as editor of the digital automotive title Off Road Xtreme. Anderson is a 20-year authority in the off-road industry with extensive experience founded on marketing, events and racing. Prior to joining Power Automedia, Anderson was a co-founding partner for the grassroots off-road action festival The Jump Champs. Embedded with the founders, Anderson was critically involved in all aspects from planning to promotions, and operations to business development. Alongside his work with the Jump Champs, Anderson worked extensively in the automotive aftermarket space as a photographer and brand manager. Before that, he had worked in off-road desert and short-course racing motorsports.

Radflo Suspension Technology Inc. Relocates to Larger Facility

Radflo Suspension Technology Inc., manufacturer of high-performance off-road and OE replacement shocks, is moving to a new, larger facility. According to the company, it is more than doubling its footprint to accommodate the increased demand from its customers. Effective immediately, Radflo’s new address is: 10840 Talbert Ave., Fountain Valley, CA 92708.

Bridgestone Breaks Ground on $51 Million Expansion of Air Springs Plant

Bridgestone Americas has broken ground on a $51 million expansion of its Firestone Industrial Products’ (FSIP) air springs production facility in Williamsburg, Kentucky. According to Bridgestone, the 68,000-sq.-ft. expansion aims to meet the demand for the company’s air springs products driven by the growing electric vehicle (EV) sector. The expansion, expected to be completed by December 2022, will add 250 new jobs, a nearly 50% increase from the more than 500 employees working today at the facility.

Williamsburg Plant employees and Bridgestone leadership were joined in the celebration by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, US Congressman Hal Rogers, State Senator Robert Stivers, State Representative Regina Huff, Whitley County Judge-Executive Pat White Jr., and Williamsburg Mayor Roddy Harrison.

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 Luis Morales

The Stratasys Mobile Showroom is making a stop at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, Friday, August 27, between 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., to meet with our technical experts about the benefits of additive manufacturing.

Attendees will get a first-hand look at the new Origin One and F770 printers as well as the J55, F370 and Makerbot series, along with dozens of interesting sample parts. After visiting the truck, grab some refreshments and catch a tour of the SEMA Garage.

This is a free event and it is open to all SEMA members.

Register now!

For more information, contact Steve Rebensdorf at 714-815-3300 or steve.rebensdorf@stratasys.com.

By SEMA Editors

In partnership with American Honda Motor Co., the SEMA Garage will host a Measuring Session for the ’22 Honda Civic, August 16–20. The event will allow SEMA members to have a close-up experience with the all-new Civic sedan, which features:

• Touring Trim.
• 1.5L direct-injection turbo-charged four-cylinder engine.
• CVT drivetrain.
• Standard ADAS Honda SENSING technology.

This will be an in-person event at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. In order to comply with state and local health guidelines, this event will require scheduled appointments. Due to high demand, all appointments will be time-limited and subject to approval by availability.

All registered attendees will be required to undergo an initial temperature check, wear face coverings and gloves and practice social distancing during their appointment.

Register now!

By SEMA Editors

The deadline to update exhibitor information for the printed 2021 SEMA Show Directory is August 20.

The SEMA Show Directory is one of the strongest tools buyers use to learn about exhibiting companies and their products. In addition, more than two-thirds of Show buyers say the directory is a useful tool for navigating the Show.

Click here for more information about updating your SEMA Show Directory listing, or contact Maurice O’Connell at mauriceo@sema.org or 909-978-6660.

Click here for a complete listing of 2021 SEMA Show deadlines.

By Jason Catullo

The 2021 SEMA Space Allocation process was completed in late June, with more than 1,700 companies selecting their booth locations at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). The LVCC's halls are nearly full of exhibits, but booth space is still being reserved, and more exhibitors are expected to secure space until the Show opens on November 2.

Attendees planning on joining the industry at the 2021 SEMA Show can see who's exhibiting and where through the updated floorplan. If you have not yet registered for the SEMA Show, taking place Tuesday-Friday, November 2-5, visit www.SEMAShow.com/attendee to register.

For 2021, the Show will include exhibit space in the Las Vegas Convention Center’s newly constructed West Hall, a 1.4-million-sq.-ft. facility completed in January. The new facility includes exhibitors from the Restyling & Car Care Accessories, Powersports & Utility Vehicles, and Truck, SUV & Off-Road sections.

Earlier in June, the visitors of the World of Concrete convention were the first to use the new hall, and the event marked the first large-scale convention and tradeshow to be held in Las Vegas in 15 months.

In addition to the new hall, the newly constructed Loop—a high-speed, people-mover system that runs 40 ft. under the LVCC—will transport visitors between South, Central and West Halls. The World of Concrete successfully used the system to shuttle visitors through the 200-acre convention center.

For more information on the 2021 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

By SEMA Editors

The 2021 SEMA Show Space Allocation process wrapped up earlier this week, and more than 1,700 companies are confirmed to exhibit, and many more are expected to sign on before the event takes place in November.

The SEMA Show floorplan is live, and buyers are currently examining the event's layout to see who will be there for 2021.

Companies that would like to exhibit at this year's SEMA Show to reconnect with customers and generate new business, can get started at www.SEMAShow.com.

Exhibiting at the SEMA Show puts your latest products in front of thousands of qualified buyers from every segment of the specialty-equipment industry, including buyers looking for your products. This year's Show offers even more opportunities for exhibitors reach new buyers. SEMA Show management recently announced that buyer registration for the Show has started at the fastest pace they have seen in the event's 54-year history.  

SEMA Show exhibitor Cometic Gaskets is ready to reunite with customers in person, and reach out to more buyers outside of the company's local region.

“We are most looking forward to face-to-face conversations and reconnecting with our customers old and new. Cometic is located in the midwest, and exhibiting at SEMA allows us to connect with our West Coast customers and industry segments, such as desert racing.”

Registration for the 2021 SEMA Show is offered in three categories—attendee, exhibitor, and media—and everyone must qualify to receive a badge and attend.

Reserve your booth now!

By Ashley Reyes

At Steve Cook Creations, Steve Cook doesn’t just restyle cars beyond recognition, he finesses them to perfection, pays homage to the past and redefines every vehicle to have a unique look.   

A new video featuring Cook, who is the owner and founder of the well-known hot-rod and auto-restoration customization shop, is now available from SEMA Virtual Education. The video is the second episode of the ARMO Builder Series that brings viewers stories from some of the industry’s most passionate and creative builders.

Hosted by Sabra Johnson of City Classic Cars, the video features Cook at his shop sitting down for a personal, intimate interview on the story of his company’s legacy, his passion for combining engineering with creativity, the importance of having the right team and more.  

Stay tuned to SEMA eNews and ARMO social media for Episode Three “Heroes in the Shadows,” scheduled to debut on August 19. 

Here’s a rather peculiar mule of the Ford GT supercar undergoing testing near Ford’s Allen Park test laboratory in Metro Detroit. The sighting is very curious since Ford is said to discontinue the GT in the near future (2022), and the fact that we haven’t seen a mule in about five years. This mule showing up at a facility where they do EPA testing seems to indicate that the Ford GT program is far from over.

Even more noteworthy is that the mule features an oil cap that has been moved from under the glass to where the current trunk sits, suggesting that the mid-engine supercar could feature a new powerplant under its mid-ship engine cover. Currently, it’s unclear what exactly is taking place under the hood, but a source familiar with blue oval has hinted at the possibility of the 7.3 Godzilla mated to a couple of turbos. Interestingly, the 3.5 Ecoboost and the 7.3 Godzilla occupy about the same amount of space, mainly because the 7.3 is a pushrod V8 and the 3.5 has a DOHC.

By Ashley Reyes

The 2021 SEMA Show will include more than 100 industry-leading seminars designed to help businesses and employees succeed and advance their careers. Through the SEMA Show Education Program, SEMA Showgoers have an easy and cost-effective way to learn about new trends and topics, hear from top experts and presenters and gain new skills and ideas, while discovering new products, seeing custom vehicles and meeting with business partners at the 2021 SEMA Show, November 2–5, in Las Vegas.  

“Attending the SEMA Show is an investment—particularly for small businesses that close up shop while they are away,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “We work hard to provide Showgoers with the greatest possible return on their investment, and we are excited about this year’s SEMA Show Educational Program.”

Among the 2021 SEMA Show Education Program are tracks focused on, or targeted to, Automotive Electronics, Vehicle Builders, CEOs, Digital Marketing and International Exports. This year’s program also includes a new Leadership track sponsored by the world-renowned Dale Carnegie Program, and the return of popular market segment-specific tracks presented in partnerships with Industry Conference of Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR), Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) and the Tire Industry Association (TIA).

The SEMA Show Education Program makes it easy for Showgoers to participate and still have time to see new products and connect on the Show floor. Sessions begin on November 1, the day before the SEMA Show officially opens, and includes offerings through Friday, November 5.

The SEMA Show Education Program builds upon and brings a live, in-person element to the SEMA Virtual Education Program, which has seen thousands of SEMA members participating since the pandemic began.

“For more than a year, the SEMA Virtual Education Program fueled the industry with great content and information, helping many through what may be the most challenging time in the industry,” said Gattuso. “The live, in-person education program builds upon the success we’ve seen through SEMA Virtual Education, and features some of the most entertaining and knowledgeable industry experts.”

Featuring industry icons, celebrities and top subject-matter experts, the SEMA Show Education Program is specifically developed for those working in the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Regardless of business type or job function, the seminars will help participants identify opportunities in the $47.89 billion dollar industry.  

View the entire 2021 SEMA Show Education program, which begins the day before the official opening of the SEMA Show.

By Ashley Reyes

Building cars is more than just assembling panels and applying paint. For Steve Cook of Steve Cook Creations, it’s a passion.

The owner of the well-known hot-rod and auto-restoration customization shop sits down with Sabra Johnson of City Classic Cars for a personal, intimate video interview, debuting August 12. The two talk shop as Cook shares the story of his company’s legacy, his passion for combining engineering with creativity, the importance of having the right team and more.

The video is the second episode of the ARMO Builder Series that brings viewers stories from some of the industry’s most passionate and creative builders.

The first episode is available to watch on demand below, and features Bob Smith, legendary builder and founder of Coachworks who is sometimes dubbed as “The Ferrari King,” providing his unique and entertaining perspective on auto restoration.

Stay tuned to SEMA eNews next week for Cook’s full-length video and keep an eye out for additional episodes in the coming weeks. The Builder Series videos support and will culminate with a live ARMO Builders Panel at the 2021 SEMA Show.