Auto parts supplier American Axle & Manufacturing has named industry veteran Yogendra Rahangdale president and chief operating officer, from October 1.
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The Associated Press said Rahangdale, 57, most recently served as executive vice president of operations and planning, and previously spent 12 years with the former Chrysler Corp.
The news agency added that the post of president and chief operating officer had been vacant since October 2004, when former president and COO Joel Robinson was named a vice chairman – he had been president since 2001.
American Axle also named Richard “Rick” Dauch, 44, executive vice president of worldwide manufacturing, AP said, adding that Dauch is the son of American Axle’s co-founder, Richard E. Dauch, and previously served as president of the company’s metal formed products division.
American Axle also announced that Marion Cumo, 63, has been named vice president of the special projects division and Al Monich, 51, has been appointed vice president of programme management and capital planning, AP added.
The news agency noted that, like other automotive suppliers, American Axle has been struggling with the high cost of steel and other raw materials as well as labour costs. Its workers represented by the United Auto Workers union reportedly went on a one-day strike last year before reaching a new labour agreement that allows the company to pay lower wages to new recruits.
According to the Associated Press, American Axle said production cuts at General Motors, its major customer, also has hurt business so far this year – it reported second-quarter earnings of $US18.9 million, down from $55.3 million in 2004.
