Autolite Operations LLC, a division of UCI-FRAM AutoBrands, announced it has hired Hector Orlandi as senior technical trainer and promoted Jay Buckley to training director, a role in which he will lead all training efforts for the spark plug and ignition parts brand. The recent training team expansion will allow Autolite to deliver in-house, field and webinar training on spark plugs and ignition issues to English- and Spanish-speaking automotive professionals and users.

Buckley and Orlandi’s new capacities for Autolite expand their technical training responsibilities within UCI-FRAM AutoBrands, where each works with the FRAM Filtration and Prestone divisions.

“We’re excited to have Hector join the Autolite Spark Plug training team and recognize his expertise and Jay Buckley’s leadership will help enhance the quality of our customer and field training efforts,” said Josh Gordon, vice president of sales and marketing for Autolite. “We recognize the positive impact that knowledgeable counter people can have on a shop’s bottom line, and want to do our part in helping to keep the industry up-to-date on the latest spark plug and ignition technologies and products through expanded training offerings.”

UCI-FRAM AutoBrands operates a training center in Orion Township, Mich., and the Autolite Ignition team travels globally to support counter professional, technician and customer education around new products, business practices and industry trends. Autolite plans to add training capabilities to address common issues, including advanced misfire diagnosis and glow plugs in 2015. All training instruction and educational materials will be available in English and Spanish.

Buckley’s 40 years of automotive experience include more than 20 years as training director of FRAM Filtration and Prestone, roles within UCI-FRAM AutoBrands as a senior technical trainer, and previous work as a technician and shop owner. Buckley is an ASE-certified Master Technician. In addition to his expanded leadership role with Autolite Spark Plugs, he will continue to oversee filtration training for FRAM Filtration and antifreeze/coolant training for Prestone.

Orlandi, also an ASE-certified Master Technician, most recently served as an automotive instructor at Delta College, where he taught courses specific to hybrid electric vehicle service. He has previously served as an automotive technology trainer for FRAM Filtration.