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By Counterman
MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association (MEMA) announced the retirement of its esteemed president and CEO, Bill Long, to be effective January 3, 2026. Under Bill Long’s visionary leadership, MEMA has seen significant growth and transformative changes that have solidified its position as a leading association in the industry.
“Throughout his tenure, Bill Long has been instrumental in fostering innovation, advocating for industry interests and strengthening
link hidden, please login to view role in shaping the future of motor and equipment manufacturing through some of the most challenging and transformative times in automotive history. His leadership, dedication and expertise have earned him widespread respect and admiration from colleagues and industry partners alike during his more than 40-year career,” said MEMA Chairman Kurk Wilks, president and CEO of MANN+HUMMEL.
In conjunction with Bill Long’s retirement, the link hidden, please login to view Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul McCarthy as the new president and CEO, effective January 3, 2026. Paul McCarthy brings a wealth of industry experience and a deep commitment to advancing MEMA’s mission. With his remarkable leadership skills and extensive industry knowledge, the MEMA Board is confident that in Paul McCarthy, they have selected the right leader to drive the association forward and take it to another level, building upon the strong foundation laid by Bill Long.
Paul McCarthy has been an integral part of MEMA’s leadership team, contributing significantly to its success as MEMA’s senior vice president of strategy and president of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. In his almost three decades in our industry, he has extensive experience in all of MEMA’s member segments: original equipment, commercial vehicles and the aftermarket. His vision for MEMA will enhance our value of member-centricity and our objectives of a powerful supplier voice, strong industry advocacy, innovation and excellence.
“I am deeply honored to have served as MEMA’s president and CEO and am proud of what we have achieved together,” said Bill Long. “I have full confidence in Paul McCarthy’s ability to lead MEMA into a bright and successful future.”
Paul McCarthy added, “I am excited to take on this new role, champion the supplier industry I am so passionate about and lead the talented team at MEMA. Together, we will serve our members and drive a growing, profitable, innovative and influential vehicle supplier community. We seek to be an association that is vital to our members’ success, protects suppliers and helps our members see the road ahead in a time of change.”
As MEMA embarks on this new chapter, the MEMA board extends its heartfelt gratitude to Bill Long for his exceptional service and contributions to the vehicle supplier community during his 13-year tenure at MEMA and his six years as president and CEO, and we look forward to the dynamic strategic vision of Paul McCarthy to lead us forward. The post
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By Counterman
The Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, with support from the University of the Aftermarket Foundation, announced the establishment of the Pat Biermann Memorial Heavy Duty Scholarship. This new heavy-duty scholarship honors the life and contributions of Pat Biermann. The Alliance described Biermann was a visionary leader in the heavy-duty aftermarket, a trusted advisor to the Alliance and a beloved colleague. Biermann passed away Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at the age of 75.
Honoring a Heavy Duty Scholarship Leader and Mentor
The Alliance said Biermann devoted more than 40 years to the heavy-duty aftermarket, leaving an indelible legacy through his leadership, innovation and dedication. As a co-founder and long-serving president of HD America (HDA), he helped propel the organization to a position of industry leadership. After retiring, he continued to contribute his expertise as a heavy-duty advisor and consultant for the Alliance. The Alliance added that Biermann exemplified the true spirit of “Heavy Duty”—facing challenges head-on, fostering growth and mentoring the next generation.
Pat Biermann’s Career Spanned Decades of Impact
A graduate of Washington University, Biermann rooted his career in engineering. His work spanned leadership and strategic development and significantly impacted the commercial vehicle and heavy-duty industry. Biermann’s efforts strengthened the industry’s foundation and prepared it for future growth.
Scholarship Supports Future Heavy-Duty Professionals
In tribute to Biermann’s memory and his direct contributions to the Alliance, the scholarship offers a one-time award of $2,500. It supports a student actively pursuing a career within the vital heavy-duty industry. Eligible career paths include Diesel Technician, Truck Driver (CDL training), Fleet Manager, Heavy Duty Parts Specialist, or a similar heavy duty-related field.
Legacy Invests in Skilled Hands-On Careers
“Pat Biermann was not only an industry giant but also a trusted advisor and friend to the Alliance’s Commercial Vehicle and Heavy Duty program. His insights were invaluable, and his passion for this industry was infectious,” said Mario Gonzalez, CVHD program manager for the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance.
“Pat truly understood that the backbone of the heavy-duty world lies in the skilled technicians, drivers, parts specialists, and fleet managers who keep things moving.
By establishing this memorial scholarship—with the generous support of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation—we honor Pat’s legacy in a practical way: by investing directly in the dedicated individuals pursuing these essential, hands-on careers. It’s a tribute he would have deeply appreciated.”
The Alliance said it encourages students who are committed to building careers in these essential roles to apply for the scholarship.
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By Counterman
Stellantis celebrated a major milestone with the opening of its new Mopar Parts Distribution Center (PDC) in East Fishkill, New York. The $64 million facility enhances parts distribution across the Northeast and supports both dealers and customers.
Leadership and Community Support
Mopar leaders and a Dutchess County legislator spoke to state officials,
link hidden, please login to view partners, UAW leaders and employees. They emphasized the new facility’s impact on customer service in the local community. Commitment to Growth and Service
“The launch of our new Mopar Parts Distribution Center in East Fishkill marks a significant investment in our long-term growth and service capabilities,” said Mopar Senior Vice President for North America Darren Bradshaw. “This facility supports our dedicated UAW-represented workforce with the tools and environment they need to succeed. By integrating cutting-edge technology and automation, we’re strengthening our supply chain, accelerating delivery times and reinforcing our commitment to dealer and customer satisfaction along with employee success.”
Mopar Parts Distribution Center Capacity and Strategic Positioning
The 534,000-sq.-ft. facility is strategically located to serve dealerships and customers across the Northeast. It houses over 46,000 unique parts and expects to process more than 2 million shipments each year.
Boosting Local Economy and Infrastructure
“The launch of the Mopar Parts Distribution Center is a tremendous boost for East Fishkill,” said Dutchess County Legislator Steve Caswell. “This facility is not just an investment in infrastructure, but in our people, our businesses and our future. Stellantis’ decision to bring this advanced distribution center and nearly 100 jobs to our community underscores our town’s potential as a growing hub for technological and economic development.”
Introducing Next-Generation AutoStore Technology
This Mopar PDC is
link hidden, please login to view’ first U.S. facility using the AutoStore automated storage and retrieval system. AutoStore includes 40 robotic units using advanced technology to move along a grid above stored parts. They retrieve parts from 70,000 bins across 18,000 square feet and deliver them to processing stations. PDC employees then prepare the final shipments for distribution. Enhancing Efficiency and Inventory Management
AutoStore automation boosts speed, accuracy and dependability of order completion. It also reduces the warehouse footprint needed for storing inventory.
Sustainability and the Mopar Parts Distribution Center
The East Fishkill Mopar Parts Distribution Center is one of 21 Mopar facilities in North America serving dealers and aftermarket customers. Mopar merged the Tappan and Boston PDCs to reduce the region’s storage footprint. The AutoStore system further decreases the physical space needed at the new East Fishkill location. These efforts support Stellantis’ broader goal of lowering carbon emissions.
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By Counterman
Niterra North America will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its Sissonville, West Virginia, campus on May 9, 2025. The celebration also marks the grand opening of the Niterra Distribution Center, a major expansion to the site. The company said the milestone represents three decades of growth, innovation, and support for the West Virginia community.
link hidden, please login to viewsaid the new facility adds 75,000 square feet to the Sissonville campus and creates approximately 30 new jobs. Sustainability and Efficiency Define Niterra Distribution Center
According to the company, the Niterra Distribution Center features cutting-edge technology and eco-conscious design. Automated storage and retrieval systems improve inventory accuracy and operational efficiency. Energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems help reduce environmental impact and cut operational costs. Enhanced security systems safeguard products and personnel at every stage of the distribution process. Expandable capacity allows the company to scale as customer demand increases,
link hidden, please login to view said. Commitment to Community and Long-Term Growth
“We are incredibly proud to reach this 30-year milestone,” said Michael Schwab, president and CEO of Niterra North America, Inc. “Our success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our employees, the loyalty of our customers, and the support of the Sissonville community. The opening of our new distribution center is a significant step forward in our journey, expanding operational capacity and improving logistics efficiency. We look forward to many more years of success.”
The grand opening event will be at the Sissonville campus on May 9, starting at 11 a.m. It will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a tour of the new facility.
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By Counterman
link hidden, please login to view announced “The 3 Dragons: Aftermarket Outlook” session returns to the 2025 Vision Conference, April 2 in Chicago. “This annual favorite will set the stage for the conference, enabling attendees to understand where the industry currently stands with a 360-degree view of the economic, financial and industry factors shaping the aftermarket,” MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers said.
link hidden, please login to view for the event is now open. 3 Dragons, 3 Perspectives
Kristin Dziczek, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago – The macroeconomic forces impacting consumers, manufacturers and the aftermarket Simeon Gutman, Morgan Stanley – Wall Street’s perspective on the health and future prospects of the aftermarket Todd Campau, S&P Global Mobility – The latest data on vehicle population and driving trends that will shape demand Why It Matters
The 3 Dragons session frames everything that follows at the Vision Conference, explained
link hidden, please login to view. Sessions like Talk from the Top, A Landmark Study from McKinsey and Associates, and the O’Reilly keynote—to name a few—will build on insights from our 3 dragons, helping you translate today’s realities into tomorrow’s strategies. The post
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