BNL Ltd. (UK) announced the appointment of John Nichols as Chief Operating Officer. This is a new position, created to allow Managing Director Neil Partlett to, "focus more on the company's medium to long-term strategy for development."

BNL manufactures thermoplastic bearing assemblies and technical molding solutions. The company is expanding rapidly, both internally and via its recent acquisition of Cobb Slater Ltd.

Mr. Nichols has been with BNL for ten years, working his way through from Quality Manager. Before joining BNL, he served in increasingly responsible positions with other manufacturers such as Black and Decker, McKechnie Plastic, and Thorn EMI Lighting.

Mr. Nichols said, "BNL has always had an abundance of 'team ethic' and that includes our customers and suppliers. I am proud to be given the opportunity to play a key role in the future success of the company by ensuring we are able to maintain that attribute as the company continues to grow."


Peer Bearing Company (USA) has appointed Arthur Parrish as Product Manager for the company's Tapered Roller Bearing Line.

Mr. Parrish joined Peer in early 2005 and participated in moving the company's TRB product line into automotive Tier 1 accounts, developing a sealed TRB product group, and other milestones.

Mr. Parrish commented: "I am incredibly proud of my assignment to this position and what it signifies about the level of trust that the leadership of Peer has invested in me."


The Timken Company (USA) continues reorganization-related appointments, bringing Tom Tecklenburg on board to head up the Global Automotive Aftermarket operation.

Mr. Tecklenburg joins Timken from his position as Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Bendix Brakes North America -- where he has been since 2004.

Bendix is now part of Honeywell's Consumer Products Group (FRAM, Prestone, Autolite). Prior to Bendix (which includes Jurid), he spent 15 years in OEM and aftermarket positions with the FRAM, Prestone and Autolite brands.


Pioneer Automotive Products has appointed Jim Eady as Vice President and General Manager.

Mr. Eady comes to Pioneer from Timken, where he has been national sales manager for automotive and heavy-duty since early 2006.

Moving to Pioneer Mr. Eady returns to Mississippi, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Marketing from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Prior to joining Timken, Mr. Eady was President of the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) for five years. Before the AWDA, he spent 19 years in the aftermarket with TRW and then Federal-Mogul.