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The Auto Customization Shops industry has experienced a bumpy road over the past five years. Industry revenue is expected to fall 0.7% annually on average over the five years to 2012, with revenue estimated to grow 2.7% in 2012 to $ 4.4 billion. According to IBISWorld industry analyst Nima Samadi, the recession has had lingering effects on the industry, with consumers holding off non-essential alterations and customizations of their vehicles. This industry derives its revenue from drivers that pay auto customization shops for certain aftermarket automotive accessories and other customized alterations to their vehicles. Nearly all of these projects are discretionary luxuries, and as such, industry demand and revenue is subject to consumer and discretionary spending levels. In 2009, consumer spending declined and discretionary purchases like automotive alterations were put on the chopping block. Consumers who continued to invest in car customization tended to scale back the amount they spent on their projects and increasingly opted for lower cost services and projects. Some patrons who still wanted to customize their automobiles chose to handle the purchases and installations themselves, bypassing industry establishments. Between 2010 and 2012, consumer spending has increased, which has resulted in a steady increase in spending on car customization and rising revenue for auto customization shops.

Despite recessionary declines, there have been a number of industry-specific trends that increased demand for car customization shops over the long term. One of the biggest driving forces has been rising pop-culture interest in customized vehicles. Moreover, according to Samadi, changes in automotive electronics and stereos have also driven demand for industry services over the last five years. An increasing number of consumers want premium aftermarket stereo and electronics systems for their automobiles, such as in-car DVD and Blu-ray players, multiple TV screens throughout the vehicle, integrated aftermarket navigation systems, MP3 player and iPod connectivity and Bluetooth connectivity for hands free calling and Bluetooth audio streaming. All of these factors bode well for auto customization shops, with demand for their services expected to grow, prompted by an expanding economy over the next five years.

During the five years to 2017, this industry will remain highly fragmented, with no one company dominating even a regional market. In larger markets, such as urban centers like Los Angeles and Detroit, some shops specialize in subsegments of the industry like airbrush paint jobs. These industry players include West Coast Customs and Galpin Auto Sports, which are both located in California. Companies rely primarily on word-of mouth recommendations for business due to the high-end luxury nature of many customizations. Consolidation has not occurred in this industry for several reasons. Firstly, employees must be led by a highly skilled manager that is responsible for the technical nature of the work. Additionally, companies order parts as a need for them arises. Consequently, bulk orders are rare, eliminating one of the major benefits of owning multiple shops that, in other industries, leads to cheaper input prices for larger players that can buy in bulk.

For more information visit IBISWorlds Auto Customization Shops in the US industry page

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This industry customizes automobiles. Operators modify cars to improve their performance, often by altering or replacing the engine and transmission. Conversely, businesses in this industry may customize cars to make a style statement for the consumer, making the car look unique and unlike any factory-finished car. Freight truck and trailer customization services are also included in this industry. Remanufactured vehicles are excluded from this industry.

IBISWorld industry Report Key Topics

Industry Performance

Executive Summary

Key External Drivers

Current Performance

Industry Outlook

Industry Life Cycle

Products & Markets

Supply Chain

Products & Services

Major Markets

Globalization & Trade

Business Locations

Competitive Landscape

Market Share Concentration

Key Success Factors

Cost Structure Benchmarks

Barriers to Entry

Major Companies

Operating Conditions

Capital Intensity

Key Statistics

Industry Data

Annual Change

Key Ratios

About IBISWorld Inc.

Recognized as the nations most trusted independent source of industry and market research, IBISWorld offers a comprehensive database of unique information and analysis on every US industry. With an extensive online portfolio, valued for its depth and scope, the company equips clients with the insight necessary to make better business decisions. Headquartered in Los Angeles, IBISWorld serves a range of business, professional service and government organizations through more than 10 locations worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.ibisworld.com or call 1-800-330-3772.

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Certified Welding Instructor (CWI) Prep & Recertification Courses filled well before the classs registration deadline, despite the California Department of Transportations claim late last year that a shortage of welders and welding inspectors has forced the state to hire foreign workers to complete welding jobs, notably on the San-Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. The Iron Workers Union, with the help of the Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust (IMPACT), also provides a CWI Prep course in St. Louis.

Welding is one of the most demanding skills that an Ironworker can learn. This is true, at least, according to Brian Colombo, Apprenticeship Coordinator for Iron Workers Locals #377 and #378 in the San Francisco Bay area.

Colombo qualified his statement rather convincingly, Youre probably looking at six months of 40-hour weeks to earn the welding certifications that are most commonly used on a typical job.

While the rigor of the job hasnt put a damper on Ironworkers fervor to learn the nuances of this difficult profession, it has compelled the Iron Workers Union to train the qualified instructors needed to teach this most difficult skill. The Unions 40-hour Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) & Recertification Course, offered at the Benicia, Calif., training center (the same course is also offered at the Local #396 Training Center in St. Louis) is a necessary component in meeting this demand.

The CWI course prepares students to go forward and take the American Welding Societys Certified Welding Instructor Exam, a three-part test focusing on the welding codebook and welding fundamentals. The test also includes a hands-on segment.

The codebook alone is nearly 600 pages, written by engineers for engineers, Colombo explained. People that have passed have really achieved something.

Ironworkers who pass the test become Certified Welding Instructors, and, according to Colombo, bring incredible value to our signatory contractors, because these guys know all aspects of the work. Workers can function in a dual capacity as both Ironworker and inspector, whereas many contractors without access to qualified inspectors must foot the bill to hire out for inspections. The Ironworkers cut out a huge expense for contractors. Ironworkers who pass the test and become a CWI bring a much better understanding of the entire welding process, metallurgy and welder training.

Welders have to maintain incredibly sharp analytical and physical skills to do their jobs. When youre fusing two pieces of metal together, there is no room for error or for any voids in your welds. One mistake can lead to disaster. To demonstrate the precision Ironworker welders maintain, Colombo added, Our work, the critical welds, is often subject to x-ray or ultrasound testing to make sure it is acceptable.

This unique course, which filled early this year, saw some interested Ironworkers turned away due its tremendous popularity.

The Ironworkers of Locals #377 and #378 maintain the highest standards in Ironworker training and upgrading, as do all Iron Workers local unions throughout the United States and Canada. In addition to local training courses in and around Benicia, the Iron Workers International Union, in conjunction with Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust and the Apprenticeship and Training Department, hold an annual week-long training program in Ann Arbor, Mich., for Ironworker instructors and provide $ 50 million each year to Ironworker training centers across North America.

About IMPACT:

The Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust (http://www.impact-net.org) was formed in 2003 under Section 302(c) 9 of the Labor-Management Relations (Taft-Hartley) Act. IMPACT is a non-profit, tax-exempt labor-management trust under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code. The primary mission of IMPACT is to expand job opportunities for union ironworkers and their signatory contractors through progressive and innovative labor-management programs, training and safety. IMPACT is governed by a 26-member Board of Trustees. Each of IMPACTs 13 regions is represented by one labor trustee and one management trustee.

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Jennifer Nicole Lee is one of the world’s most famous super fitness models, enjoying a career fueled by her enthusiasm for living a fit lifestyle. This top cover girl model, fitness icon and best selling author expands her genius into apparel, with her JNL Clothing line, a fun hip eclectic and electric urban street wear that’s perfect for the gym, and beyond. With a super successful launch party and trunk show celebrating her love for both fitness and passion, held at her exclusive Fitness Model Factory Headquarters in Miami, its now been solidified that this is the one brand that must be watched and worn. Jennifer Nicole Lee states: “I have a sickness for fitness & a passion for fashion! Ive blended both to give you my JNL Clothing Line!”

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