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LITESTIX Work Light by BendPak Now Lasts Longer
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By Counterman
link hidden, please login to view is officially open. The event will take place November 5–7, at The Venetian Expo and Caesar’s Forum in Las Vegas, Nevada. link hidden, please login to view Recapping the 2023 AAPEX Show, 130 countries were represented and more than 500,000 square foot of expo space was available for attendee exploration. There were more than 100 training opportunities offered as well as 2,500 exhibiting manufacturers.
“Elevate your expertise through hands-on training, empowering your business to embrace the latest best practices. Stay at the forefront of ever-evolving vehicle technology with captivating live demos and product exhibits. AAPEX isn’t just some flashy Las Vegas car show; it’s where the industry takes on challenges, builds relationships, and propels businesses toward a greener future,” the website said.
“AAPEX is the only event that combines live, interactive demos and training; expert-led business education; and in-person connection with the global automotive aftermarket community. Spend three days in Las Vegas packed with everything you need to keep vehicles on the road and your business on the right track,” according to AAPEX.
Stay in the know with AAPEX-TV 360: explore highlights from 2023, watch in-depth videos on industry topics, and see
link hidden, please login to view and link hidden, please login to view link hidden, please login to view from the 2023 event. The post
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By Counterman
Don Henthorn, owner and founder of BendPak Inc.,
link hidden, please login to view at home Thursday, March 28, at the age of 85. Under his leadership, BendPak has grown from a small machine shop to one of the world’s leading manufacturers of car lifts and automotive service equipment. Management and operations of the privately owned company are unchanged.
Henthorn transitioned day-to-day management to the current leadership team in 2022 as part of an established succession plan. Serving as chairman emeritus, he continued to coach the team, coming to the office six days a week.
“Don’s visionary leadership and unwavering dedication have been the cornerstone of BendPak’s success. His passion, wisdom, and guidance have left an indelible mark on all of us and the organization,” said Jeff Kritzer, BendPak president and CEO. “His legacy lives on through the values and principles he instilled in our company. He was not only a leader, but also a mentor, inspiring all of us to strive for excellence and to never settle for anything else.”
Henthorn enlisted in the U.S. Army at 19 years old. He was stationed at a Nike Ajax missile site in Connecticut. While there, he met Virginia Ann “Ginger” Eib, and they married two days after he was discharged in 1959. Three days after that, they moved to California, where he went to work in the burgeoning aerospace industry. After learning all he could, he started Quality Machine & Associates (QMA) in Simi Valley, California. This premier job shop specialized in precision machine work for aerospace and defense giants like Rocketdyne, Rockwell, and Hughes Aircraft.
Not content with the “feast or famine” workload of a job shop, Henthorn labored after hours to develop and patent specialty tools QMA could market itself. The most successful of these included the 5ivePak, a portable combination coil spring compressor, U-joint press and gear-puller; a MacPherson strut spring-compressor; and a portable exhaust pipe expander.
By the 1970s, Henthorn was increasingly focused on building equipment for the then-bustling muffler shop industry. In 1977, he oversaw construction of the company’s first new building, a 20,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Moorpark, California. Two years later, QMA introduced a hydraulic tubing bender for muffler shops, and Henthorn was inspired to change the company name to match. “BendPak” was born. In 1983, responding to customer requests, Henthorn introduced BendPak’s first four-post lift and entered the vehicle lift market.
Over the ensuing decades, BendPak continued to grow. Today, the company has manufacturing and distribution facilities around the world and employs more than 275 people. In 2023, BendPak moved its global headquarters into a LEED PlatinumTM certified administrative building in Agoura Hills, California. Work is underway on the BendPak Industrial Complex, a huge light industrial space being developed in Mobile County, Alabama, near the company’s recently expanded East Coast campus.
Never one to seek awards or accolades, Henthorn was a believer in hard work. Motivated by the fear of failure and the desire to expand his mind and his business, he pushed the company to continuously improve and grow. For decades, he was the first person in the door every day, starting between 5 and 6 a.m., Monday through Saturday. When asked the secret to BendPak’s success, he would answer simply, “We outwork everybody.”
Henthorn took his responsibility for the safety of millions of mechanics around the world very seriously and was committed to ensuring that BendPak produced superior products.
“We at BendPak wholeheartedly hold the philosophy that only going above and beyond on every product, for every customer, will keep us growing in this business,” he wrote in a letter to customers on BendPak.com. “When BendPak started, I was the sole name and voice attached to the company’s product development and operations. Today, BendPak exists beyond the control of just a few sharp minds. The hundreds of employees we hold dear are heard from and appreciated on a daily basis, which is why people continue to want to work here, and it’s why we’ll continue to thrive for generations to come.”
Henthorn could often be found out in the shop tinkering and inventing things. He also enjoyed golfing and sharing memories with friends, family, and colleagues.
Henthorn is survived by his wife, Ginger, daughter, Susan, and grandchildren Annika, Reagan, Carson, and Kennedy. He was preceded in death by his son, Gary.
For a look back on his life, please visit the
link hidden, please login to view. The blog will be updated with service information when available. About BendPak
Established in 1965, BendPak Inc. is an American-owned global manufacturer of vehicle service equipment and specialty consumer products sold under the trademarked brands BendPak®, Ranger®, Autostacker®, QuickJack®, Cool Boss®, GrandPrix®, JackPak®, MaxJax®, and ErgochairTM. Its collective range of products includes car lifts, parking lifts, EV battery lifts, pipe benders, air compressors, tire changers, wheel balancers, wheel aligners, brake lathes, evaporative air coolers, rolling work seats, and other equipment.
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By Counterman
The Auto Care Association announced it has been
link hidden, please login to view. “This prestigious award is a testament to the association’s commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive and dynamic work environment for its employees,” Auto Care said in a news release.
With a remarkable 95% of employees affirming that the Auto Care Association is a great place to work, the organization stands out significantly above the national average. This recognition is based on direct feedback from employees, provided as part of the Great Place to Work’s rigorous, data-driven methodology.
The survey highlighted several areas where the Auto Care Association excels, including management’s approachability, effective coordination and assignment of tasks and the provision of necessary resources and equipment to employees.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, the Auto Care Association employs more than 40 U.S.-based workers and is renowned for its advocacy, educational, networking, technology and market-intelligence resources. It plays a pivotal role in the automotive aftermarket, driving innovation and competitiveness through its evaluation of market trends and development of new tools to adapt to evolving patterns.
“This certification is not just a milestone for our association but a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and passion of our team,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association. “We are deeply committed to ensuring our workplace is not only rewarding and supportive but also fosters the growth and development of all our employees.”
The Auto Care Association added that its “culture is built on a foundation of mutual respect, collaboration and a shared vision for the future of the automotive aftermarket.”
Auto Care uses the acronym TCIF to summarize its corporate values. It stands for Teamwork, Curiosity, Integrity and Fun. These values “have cultivated a workplace where 97% of employees feel management is approachable and hires people who fit well within the organization,” according to Auto Care.
“Great member service starts with a strong internal foundation,” said Lea Diamond, vice president, people operations, for the Auto Care Association. “Our strengths internally are reflected in the level of service and care we provide to our members and the industry.”
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By Counterman
BendPak recently announced a new strategic partnership solidifying Expert Automotive Equipment as primary distributor for all BendPak brands and products in the Las Vegas Valley.
“This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both companies, combining BendPak’s renowned expertise in automotive lifts, wheel service equipment and shop equipment with Expert Automotive Equipment’s commitment to providing top-notch products and services to the automotive industry,” the company said in a news release.
As the primary distributor, Expert Automotive Equipment will represent
link hidden, please login to view across a wide range of products, including car lifts, tire changers, wheel balancers and various other automotive service solutions. Under the agreement,
link hidden, please login to view will offer and support equipment sold under the BendPak, Ranger, Cool Boss and Autostacker brands. “We are thrilled to join forces with Expert Automotive Equipment as our primary distributor for the Las Vegas and Henderson communities, and surrounding areas,” said Sean Price, BendPak director of sales operations. “Expert Automotive Equipment’s focus on delivering exceptional products and services aligns perfectly with BendPak’s mission to provide cutting-edge solutions for professional automotive and truck service facilities, as well as our DIY and enthusiasts customers. This partnership will undoubtedly enhance the accessibility of our products and provide the support our customers need across the Las Vegas Valley.”
Expert Automotive Equipment, a respected name in the automotive equipment distribution industry, has years of experience and a strong reputation for customer satisfaction, BendPak noted.
“We are proud to be chosen as the primary distributor for BendPak, a brand synonymous with quality and innovation in the automotive equipment industry,” said Scot Salisbury, owner and founder of Expert Automotive Equipment. “This partnership helps us deliver on our goals to provide our customers with best-in-class products, empowering automotive professionals to achieve new heights of efficiency and excellence in their operations.”
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By Counterman
BendPak recently introduced its patent-pending Octa-Flex concept, a new two-post lift design that features two sets of arms: triple-telescoping swing arms plus all-new integrated lift-assist arms.
Octa-Flex is the world’s first two-post lift series with eight fully adjustable, telescoping lift arms, according to the company.
The EV12DPS Octa-Flex prototype makes its global premiere in booth 4569W at NADA Expo in Las Vegas, Feb. 2-4.
Octa-Flex offers all the functionality of a traditional two-post lift, while enabling technicians to perform tasks such as tackle cab-off repairs without the help of additional component-handling equipment or a second tech.
While the primary lift arms hold the vehicle, the unique Octa-Flex lift-assist arms can be used to help safely and ergonomically lift and maneuver heavy vehicle components such as EV battery packs, drivetrains, tires and wheel assemblies with precision, ensuring seamless workflow while reducing the risk of workplace injuries, BendPak noted.
When they’re not needed, the powered lift-assist arms can be moved up out of the way, so the lift can be used as a standard two-post model.
“Octa-Flex lift-assist arms act like that second set of hands you wish you had when you need to remove a 1,200-pound EV battery or wrestle 100-pound wheels and tires off a truck,” said Jeff Kritzer, BendPak president and CEO. “Now you don’t have to ‘put your back into it’ or grab a buddy. Our Octa-Flex lifts will help technicians get more work done with less physical effort and strain.”
link hidden, please login to view The three-stage arms extend and retract further than any other thanks to a patent-pending design that enables the inner arm tubes to retract fully through the back of the arm assembly and even beyond the arm pin itself, providing unfettered access to a wide range of vehicle lifting points, according to BendPak.
Their lower profile and dropped-end pad receiver lets them access hard-to-reach lifting points with less chance of damage to vehicle side skirts, running boards or ground effects, even on low-slung sportscars or EVs.
The Octa-Flex concept also features BendPak’s patent-pending Automatic Swing Arm Restraint System (ASARS) to keep the primary lift arms in place.
ASARS provides twice as much holding grip as traditional systems, according to the company. Its 360 degrees of forged steel teeth secure the arms in place to withstand more than 2,000 pounds of side force that can be generated during vehicle service. The adaptive system requires minimal operator involvement to set and release, while providing maximum peace of mind.
A Clear-Floor Design
The Octa-Flex concept is a clear-floor design delivering unobstructed floor space for moving toolboxes, transmission jacks and other equipment under elevated vehicles. It is built to deliver long service life with single-piece columns for strength, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene load bearings that never need lubrication, super-tall lift carriages to minimize stress on components and industrial-grade hydraulic cylinders, according to the company.
Designed for versatility, Octa-Flex Series lifts feature BendPak’s Bi-Metric reversible swing arms that enable the lift operator to set the lift in either symmetric or asymmetric configurations.
BendPak said it is committed to further enhancing the Octa-Flex concept in the coming months. Anticipated for fall 2024, the global launch will encompass models with rated capacities of both 10,000 and 12,000 pounds.
Learn more and check out the EV12DPS Octa-Flex prototype at NADA Expo booth 4569W at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Feb. 2-4, visit
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