Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/81895
IPD is On The Move IPD ™has been manu- facturing heavy-duty engine repair parts since 1955, and has developed a reputation for high quality and innovative prod- ucts in support of a strong and viable aſt ermarket for the sup- ply of alternative repair compo- nents. IPD has a long history supporting the IDA; Mr. Bob Rasmussen (IPD's co-founder) served as the President of the IDA from 1977-1979. Along with his partner Walter Storm (founder of Storm Industries), Bob spearheaded the concept of quality and innovation as a means to add value to aſt er- market repair components. IPD has redefi ned its mission over the past decade, focusing on the engine parts segment of the aſt ermarket. More recently, IPD has been building for the future with continuing investments in people and technology. As an example, IPD has been aggres- sively adding key personnel in engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, supply chain, sales, marketing, and fi nance. IPD has also invested heav- ily in technology. "IPD is investing in the future, " notes Henry Wandrie, IPD's Director of Engineering and Manufacturing. "From engineering to manufacturing to quality assurance, 24 IPD is committed to excellence and growth. " Over the past decade, IPD invested in the design and development of steel piston technologies in order to supply high quality aſt er- market pistons for the growing number of newer engines using steel piston designs (required for newer emissions require- ments). On May 10, 2011, the United States Patent and Trademark Offi ce awarded Pat- ent No. 7938093 to IPD for the invention of an articulated two piece piston with a crown of investment cast high-strength steel. IPD also has two patents pending on 1 piece steel piston designs. Today, IPD continues to off er both 1 and 2 piece investment cast IPDSteel™ pistons for a wide variety of popular applications. IPD continues to make signifi cant investments in a variety of technical resources to ensure that IPD is able to engineer high quality aſt ermar- ket components for newer and more complex engine designs. As an example, IPD utilizes very specialized equipment to accurately analyze surface form, fi nish, and contour, such as is required to measure increasingly more sophisticated parts. IPD has also recently expanded manufacturing capacity by acquiring addi- tional high precision machin- ing equipment that will help IPD to meet the increasing demand for steel pistons. IPD is also investing in its infrastructure. In the past, IPD invested in a dedicated cylinder liner manufacturing plant to ensure high quality and con- sistent supply. More recently, IPD acquired Martin Wells Industries™, a California-based manufacturer of valve seats and valves. "IPD is investing heavily IDA UNIVERSAL September-October 2012