CVSN Insider - May
14 CVSN INSIDER May 2009 Under the management direction of Han-thorn; Tony Macharacek, regional operations manager; Bill Statham, general manager; and Guido Sala, senior quality manager, the busi-ness unit has increased its production capacity for axle carriers and transmissions by roughly 20 percent due to the consolidation, while lean initiatives introduced at the facility allow more space for further growth. Centralizing in one location has enabled more efficient production, including reduced parts inventory, labor costs and manufacturing overhead, according to the company. TMC to explore fleet, service provider issues The Technology & Maintenance Council recently formed a new committee to explore is-sues between fleets and their service providers in order to create industry practices, improve efficiencies and build better relationships between fleets and service vendors, according to the announcement. The new Service Provider Committee (SPC) will establish recommended practices aimed at improving relationships between fleets and both independent and OE service providers. The committee has taken on the task of raising the bar on service, said SPC Chair-man Chas Voyles, service manager for Truck Centers Inc. The committee will rely on the interaction of TMC's fleet members and its service-dealer membership. As we gain a better understanding of the challenges that both the fleets and service providers face, procedures can be created that will benefit both parties, Voyles said. The SPC has designated seven task forces: Repair Assessment Task Force Chair-man Scott Zeppenfeldt, vice president of portation necessary to move things, less miles being driven, which will mean fewer parts and services needed. Many pundits argue that the current economic downturn is the result of financial greed on Wall Street. Isn't it possible that we're merely entering the phase precipitated by the begin-ning of the exit of baby boomers? Your crystal ball should be telling you that now is the time to be investing in changes that will help your company respond to the oncoming demographic revolution that is taking place. President's Message Continued from page 2 us treat as the `black box'. Information technology is critical to the future of both distributors and suppliers. HDX will conduct technology seminars as part of our September meeting and they will also host an information technology panel. The changes we continue to make to our meet-ings are for the benefit of all of our members. Our fall meeting will now be known as the Af-termarket Distribution Summit, a fitting name given the scope of what the meeting has to of-fer. Mark your calendar now for September 12-16 at Amelia Island Plantation in Amelia Island, Florida, as this is a MUST ATTEND event. We have made some very dramatic changes over the last four years, all for the better. We have not stopped working, as there are more things to do. The CVSN Board is focused and dedicated and you will soon see the results of our efforts. Thanks to each of you for your continuing sup-port of this great association.