Flash Facts

MANUFACTURER NEWS

Kenworth, Allison extend transmission discounts
Kenworth and Allison Transmission are extending until May 7 a program that offers discounts on three transmissions when they are used in particular Kenworth construction trucks. The program offers discounts for Allison’s HD4060, HD4560 and HD4070 automatic transmissions on Kenworth T800 112-inch and 120-inch BBC, C500 and selected W900 models. To qualify, orders must be received by May 7 for vehicles to be manufactured by June 30. That extends the program from the previous deadlines of Nov. 30 for new truck orders to be built by Dec. 31.

Cat opens corporate governance section on its website
Saying it wants to help restore confidence in corporate America, Caterpillar has posted information about its corporate governance practices on the company’s website. The site offers a link to the certification of financial statements signed by Caterpillar’s CEO and chief financial officer. Visitors may access the board of directors’ guidelines of corporate governance and a current list of officers, directors and directors’ committee memberships. Current charters for each of Caterpillar’s board committees are also available on the corporate governance site. Caterpillar published its Code of Worldwide Business Conduct on the site as well. Visitors can also find updates on Caterpillar’s corporate governance practices. The corporate governance web site can be found at www.cat.com/about_cat/.

Cat moves North Carolina painting division to Mexico
Caterpillar is moving an equipment painting division that employs 40 people in Clayton, N.C., to Mexico. The company said it decided to move the division because equipment at the 11-year-old Clayton plant is outdated. Caterpillar spokeswoman Heather McBroom said the company already has a facility in Mexico that can fill that service. The paint shop is a small part of production at Cat’s Clayton facility, where workers assemble backhoe loaders and wheel loaders used in road construction and waste landfills.

DEALER NEWS

Volvo appoints Champion Sales authorized dealer for compact line
Volvo Construction Equipment has appointed Champion Sales of Brampton, Ontario, its authorized compact equipment dealer for Ontario. The appointment is effective January 1. Champion Sales has been in business since 1948 and has served as Volvo Construction Equipment’s authorized dealer in Ontario for motor graders since 1997. The Volvo compact construction equipment product range includes compact wheel loaders, compact excavators and the new Volvo backhoe and skid-steer loaders.

John Deere develops recruiting service for dealers
John Deere has developed a Web-based recruiting service at JohnDeereCareers.com to assist dealers in the recruiting management personnel. John Deere will support and maintain the site. The company says it has worked with its dealers to develop standard management job descriptions including job functions, responsibilities, skills and qualifications. Those interested in the posted jobs can e-mail their resumes to John Deere, which will collect and forward them to the dealerships.

Sakai names Head & Engquist authorized dealer for central Mississippi
Sakai America has appointed Head & Engquist Equipment its authorized dealer in central Mississippi. Sakai has trained Head & Engquist in the application, sales and service of its products, which include vibratory soil and asphalt compactors, static rollers, soil stabilizers and pavement profilers.

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Skyjack has named Lloyd Spalding president. Spalding was previously the company’s senior vice president of marketing. He is now group president of Linamar’s industrial division, which comprises Skyjack. The reorganization follows Linamar’s acquisition of Skyjack.

Pirtek USA has named Gwyn “Kiwi” O’Kane director of franchise development. In his new role, he will be responsible for sales growth and development in the United States and will assist in building current U.S. franchises. O’Kane previously held the position of director of training with Pirtek USA. The company provides hydraulic hoses, fittings and accessories and offers on-site service for hydraulic hose failure.

Pirtek USA also named Monte Kramer manager of training. In his new position, Kramer will be heading up the training program for new franchises and will be working with various Pirtek team members in the sales, operations and IT areas of training. He will also be in charge of the “Top Gun School” and the Operations Manager Conference later this year.