HOME AGAIN
This article is from our archives and has not been updated and integrated with our "new" site yet... Even so, it's still awesome - so keep reading!
Published on Fri, Feb 4, 2005
By: The LACar Editorial Staff
HOME AGAIN
By JOHN GRAFMAN
This place is on fire! Just on the heels of the announcement by Henrik Fisker opening a production facility here in sunny Southern California, ASC Incorporated opens the doors for business to its 18,000 square foot Huntington Beach facility. This is a welcome home party, as ASC (formerly American Sunroof Company) comes back to its roots right here in Southern Cal with the intention of designing and building cars under its new name, American Specialty Cars.
ASC seem to have a good business case for a facility here. Virtually all the manufacturers have studios in the area. The company has forty years of experience under its belt originating from its first home in Los Angeles. The various facilities of the company can do everything from design and engineer sunroofs to complete builds and limited production. The Chevy SSR is ASC's handiwork with the vehicle development and sub-assembly to its credit. This is great news for the design studios, but maybe a sore spot for the other support companies like MetalCrafters or the Aria Group.
Some of the capabilities include CAD design including Alias, CATIA, and Unigraphics class A surfacing capabilities, complete fabrication, and quality painting in a down draft booth.
When asking the magic eight ball how the future looks for ASC, I get a "looks good" from the ball. The magic eight ball never lies. ASC has just about everything going for it, talented staff, a facility that will be able to handle nearly anything and a positive attitude. Right now the business climate might be a little cool, however ASC is well aware of the scenario having been temporarily residing in Pomona at the So Cal Speed Shop. When the business starts to warm up, it should have all its ducks in a row including a new five axis-milling machine.
For those aren't familiar with ASC, maybe some of the company's recent offerings will ring a bell. Five prototype vehicles were shown at the 2005 North American International Auto Show including the four-door convertible Helios, The SSR based Diamondback, and the GTO Stinger. Also the Dearborn Deuce, an all new version of the classic 32 Ford is on hand at the new facility as an example of what ASC can do in the way of limited production. The little hot rod has sold more than three hundred units to date.
As the executives are on hand making the trip from the harsh, cold winter of Michigan I can only think they have one thought on their minds, man it's good to be back home in California!
For more information please go to www.ascglobal.com
