ArvinMeritor announced Sept. 13 that Joe Plomin has been named vice president of the truck business unit within Commercial Vehicle Systems, effective immediately. The newly formed truck unit is now one of four CVS business units – the others are aftermarket, specialty and trailers.
In his new role, Plomin will be responsible for the overall development of product marketing and strategic planning, program management, sales and service, pricing, delivery and customer relations for the truck unit, which encompasses axle, brake and driveline sales to global truck manufacturers.
“With his significant background in marketing, sales and strategic planning, Joe will accelerate the various activities we have initiated to improve all aspects of our performance.” says Carsten Reinhardt, CVS president. “We are delighted that Joe has decided to join our team.”
Before joining ArvinMeritor, Plomin most recently served as senior vice president of sales, marketing and product line management for Remy International in Anderson, Ind. He has more than 20 years of experience in heavy-duty and automotive component development, marketing and sales.
ArvinMeritor also recently announced plans to consolidate its three North American ride control facilities into one, including the closure of its original equipment shock absorber operation in Toronto, Ontario, and its packaging and distribution center in Chickasha, Okla. The 700-person closure is part of a previously announced restructuring plan affecting 2,800 employees from 13 North American and European plants.
“The company must operate from a global manufacturing footprint that optimizes capacity and reduces costs, while creating the highest levels of service and value for our customers,” says Ed Frutig, vice president and general manager of chassis systems for Troy, Mich.-based ArvinMeritor. “Our site closures are in no way a reflection of our dedicated work force. Our talented and highly-skilled employees have consistently delivered quality products for our customers.”
A majority of the shock absorber production will be transferred from Toronto to Queretaro, Mexico, by June 2008, with an anticipated closure by June 2009. The Chickasha site will move its packaging and distribution business to a U.S.-based third-party logistics company by April 2008. ArvinMeritor will offer severance and benefits packages to affected employees, who were advised of the closure plans Friday during a series of meetings.
