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International Spotlight – Peru

Miguel Cabezas, Owner
Abba Soluciones Integrales Lima, Peru

International Spotlight - Peru

Q Tell us a little about yourself and your company?

A Since I was a child, I was very interested in the automotive industry and I wanted to become a good technical-mechanic. During my high school years, I began to study automotive mechanical training and at the age of 20 I started working in one of the largest workshops in Peru, Mitsui Automotriz. Then in the year 2008 I entered another workshop of the Toyota Grupo Pana family, where I was then able to develop a business model that the workshops needed.

Q How did you start in the automotive business?

A While working at Grupo Pana, one of my clients had his spare tire stolen and he asked me if I had any security system to protect his tire, at that time I had nothing to offer him, it left me thinking and I decided to develop a system that could protect your tire from theft.

We developed several systems for different car models and workshops in Lima began to call us, they began to know us and that gave us the opportunity to present other lines of business such as PETRA additives.

Q What do you enjoy most about your business?

A What I enjoy the most is that I continue in the field that I have been excited about since I was a child, at another level and in another position, but I am still in the Automotive world and bringing my clients high-quality products.

Q What has been one of your most notable business achievements?

A Sincerely being able to work with the largest workshops in Lima and seeing your brand positioning itself and that my former home Grupo Pana and Mitsui use PETRA products

Q What do you enjoy most about working with Petra?

A What I enjoy the most is the wide variety of products, the support that the brand gives, knowing that I represent one of the best brands in Peru.

Q Why would you recommend Petra Automotive Products to others?

A First for the number of products Petra has, for the innovations the company makes, and for the good price offering.

Q What is your favorite Petra product and why?

A My favorite product is the 9007 (Auto AC Evaporator Odor Eliminator), it is super effective, it fulfills its function well.

Q What is the one piece of advice you would give to someone just starting out in our business?

A Be persevering and believe in your business because you have a great brand in Petra that supports you.

Q What thoughts or ideas do you have about the automotive industry in the future?

A We should be working to develop new products for advancing technology and continue to innovate on current and future products and service models.

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Petra Automotive Announces New VP of Operations / Research and Development

Rob Richardson joins Petra Automotive underscoring the Company’s mission to formulate and provide the most advanced automotive products in the industry.

CYPRESS, TEXAS March 3, 2022 – Petra Automotive Products, Inc. (Petra) is proud to announce and welcome Robert C. (Rob) Richardson to the company. Rob will be responsible for Technology (R&D, technical training, new product development) and Operations (Manufacturing, HS&E, and Quality).

Rob is an industry veteran who joins Petra after a successful 22-year career at Lubrizol, in which he held a range of technical, marketing, and management positions. Before working at Lubrizol, he worked for BG Products, most recently as Chief Operating Officer. He also served for six years as Director of R&D and Vice President of Technology for Wynn Oil Company. In addition to core R&D experience, he brings practical experience in quality (Six Sigma, QFD) and innovation (Agile Innovation, Open Innovation). He is a proven leader and a subject matter expert in tribology, cooling systems, grease, and fuels. He has membership credentials with SAE, ASTM, NLGI, and other relevant industry groups. His experience in global markets, both direct and through sales channel partners (distributors), spans all corners of the world, from the U.S. to Latin America, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. He brings significant experience with automotive OEMs (light and heavy-duty), know-how in sales, marketing, and business development, and brings expertise in identifying market opportunities and differentiated product performance. This competence will enable Petra to provide solutions for these opportunities and further the company’s position as a global market leader.

Rob attended Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas majoring in chemistry and biology, and studied polymer science at the MSc level at the University of Akron through their renowned polymer science program. Rob is also the holder of eight patents in the U.S. and abroad.

“Rob’s ability, intellect, and accomplishments are without argument. He is hands down one of the best chemists and leaders in our industry and will make a great addition to our team. But what makes Rob’s addition so compelling is that he fits our culture. He is one of us, his morals, characters, and beliefs. His way of thinking, a family man – those are things that matter in a culture like we have at Petra. We are excited to have Rob on board,” says Petra President Arnold Gacita.

Petra Automotive offers a complete lineup of over 300 premium automotive service and car-care products available through over 1,900 automotive dealerships in the U.S. and distributes to 37 countries worldwide.

For more information about Petra Automotive Products, visit www.petraautoproducts.com.

About Petra Automotive Products

Petra Automotive Products is family-owned and headquartered in Cypress, Texas, just outside Houston. Since 2010, the company’s mission has been to create automotive maintenance products and services that facilitate superior vehicle performance and provide world-class customer service through automotive dealers, auto chains, and independent vehicle repair facilities. To date, Petra has created over 300 offerings and is the fastest growing premium automotive products distributor in the world, delivering Petra branded products to 37 countries worldwide. Since its inception, Petra has continued to build product strength and value by offering innovative warranty programs and vehicle maintenance training. To learn more, visit www.petraautoproducts.com or call 1-888-Petra-61.

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PETRA OIL PRESIDENT NAMED HISPANIC MALE ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR BY HOUSTON HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Award Presented as Part of the Chamber’s 2017 Annual Awards Gala November 18

HOUSTON, TX, November 20, 2017 – Arnold Gacita, President & CEO of Petra Oil Company, a Houston-based leader in the aftermarket automobile industry, was named 2017 Hispanic Male Entrepreneur of the Year by the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at its annual awards gala November 18.

Gacita, who emigrated to the United States from Cuba with his family when he was seven months old, was chosen for his outstanding leadership capabilities and strong commitment to community service. The founder of Petra Oil, which produces automotive maintenance products and service programs, Gacita has grown the company to its position as a trusted brand throughout the United States and in 28 countries in a record seven years’ time.

His business success is matched by his commitment to community service. For example, every year, the entire staff of Petra Oil takes a day off to give back to the community – this year for a project to feed the homeless. In addition, Gacita is a strong supporter of area schools and teachers, regularly hosting teacher appreciation days, providing meals for all the teachers and staff. He is also a mentor for Christian colleges, has sent trucks of food and supplies to help flood victims, and is currently working on a project to build an orphanage in Brazil.

“I am truly honored to be the recipient of this award,” said Gacita. “The Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is an extremely important resource for Houston’s Hispanic business community, and I deeply appreciate being recognized by such an outstanding organization.”

“The Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce represents the largest demographic group in the region and $60 billion in annual economic activity,” said Dr. Laura G. Murillo, President and CEO. “The Annual Awards is our opportunity to recognize and celebrate the Hispanic leaders in Houston who make this economic progress possible.”

Six separate awards will be presented at the gala, which recognizes successful executives, entrepreneurs and community leaders chosen from hundreds of nominations every year.

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Corporate Hope Day – Petra Oil

HOUSTON, TEXAS – I’d like to start by reiterating our statement yesterday, via bulletin and on social media. Petra Oil, it’s staff and family are safe and dry. Petra is open for business. We are producing product and shipping. We opened yesterday, functioning 100%. We are ready for your orders. We are here to service you our great customers.

Having said the above, our heart breaks to see the devastation so many Houstonians, South Texans and now east Texans are going through. You cannot look at TV or see pictures people send or post on social media, and not be heartbroken. The images are unbelievable and to see some of it first hand is at times surreal. Some are without power. Some have evacuated. Others helping people evacuate. Some have lost all; all their possessions, vehicles, homes, etc. And the state is still evaluating the total impact of the storm. We are committed to helping our community. Our customers, especially those that were impacted. Committed to helping our city. Thank you for the calls and emails asking how you could help as well.
Yesterday we met with the Texas National Guard, the lead and associate Pastor of TheMET church and a representative for the county commissioners’ office. TheMET church is about 1 block away from Petra Headquarters. TheMET church is an official shelter for the county. They at one point housed 900 people; currently have about 500+ and are expecting more in the days to come. Not only did I meet with this team at Petra, but then went and visited TheMET and saw firsthand what they are doing to meet the needs of those that were evacuated and potentially lost all. To say it was humbling is to say the least. The love and concern they and their volunteers showed was something that touches you from the moment you walk in. They treat all with dignity and respect, trying to meet their needs and accommodation request. Supplies, clothes, meals, medical attention and even pet care are all given at this facility.

After this meeting we agreed that Petra would be used as their warehousing facility. All Texas Guard equipment and all food, donation supplies, etc would be sent to Petra we would warehouse and deliver to them as needed. This is the least we can do. I asked what else we could do to help. They gave me the attached list and said in addition to that their greatest need was money to be able to buy and prepare food for over 500 people, 3 meals a day, daily.

So friends, you asked what you can do? Here it is. Attached is a list of supplies needed that can be sent to our address below on my signature. Below trail is an email from the Associates Pastor of TheMET with a link where you can donate money. This money will have no administration fees, all 100% of it goes to devastation needs, as indicated below. Thank you for your help and support. As Petra is open for business – we are also open to help.

God bless and thank you,
Arnold
Arnold J. Gacita
President