Spartan Chassis Named Top Newmar Vendor
Released November 8, 2006
NAPPANEE, Ind.—Newmar Corporation, the Indiana-based manufacturer of high quality Class A motorhomes and fifth wheels, recently honored its top vendors of the year at their 13th annual Vendor Appreciation Dinner.
Earning Newmar's most prestigious award was Spartan Chassis, Inc. of Charlotte, Michigan. They were awarded the 2006 Virgil Miller Award of Excellence for providing excellent supplier support in all phases of business over the past year.
"Because of our partnership with Spartan, we have been given the ability to offer unique features in our products that can't be copied by our competitors," said Dick Parks, Newmar CEO & Chairman of the Board. "Spartan has a superb executive team, a forward-thinking president, and a management team who shares our guiding principles. Spartan is responsible for supplying one of the most complicated parts we buy."
Spartan supplies Newmar with diesel chassis.
Over the course of the evening, many thank yous and words of appreciation were expressed, including those of Newmar's Vice President of Purchasing Mike O'Connell. "Servicing the retail customers and building quality products that are going to last are areas that make the companies here tonight the best of the best." O'Connell told the crowd of approximately 200 who attended the banquet on an invitation-only basis. "They are working together to collectively service the retail customer in the future. These companies are doing what it takes to make things happen."
Twice over the past year, Newmar evaluated over 200 of its suppliers and vendors in the areas of quality, delivery, personnel, product development, design, and warranty as criteria for the awards that are presented each year. To be invited to the appreciation dinner a company must score a 96% or higher.
The following vendors were named the Top Ten Vendors of the Year and received a plaque for their outstanding efforts: Adorn LLC, Elkhart, IN; Fan-Tastic Vent Inc., Imlay City, MI; Flexsteel Industries, Dubuque, IA; IOTA Engineering LLC, Tucson, AZ; Norcold/Thetford Inc., Elkhart, IN; Positron Corporation, Elkhart, IN; Quality Engineered Products, Elkhart, IN; Slabaugh Cabinets, Milford, IN; The Source Company, Mishawaka, IN; and Uni-Grip, Upper Sandusky, OH.
Also recognized with Customer Service Awards were Marsha Hinson of Wesco Corporation, Elkhart, IN; Kendra McClure of Robert Weed Plywood Corporation, Bristol, IN; and Ewa Zajch of Auto Motion Shade, Markham, Ontario, Canada.
Rick Jenkins of Jenkins Automotive, Nappanee, IN was named Salesperson of the Year and the Delivery Service Award went to Kevin Martin of Hehr International, Chesanning, MI.
Newmar also honored Larry Farver of Noble Composites, Goshen, IN and Stephanie Cripe of Specialty Window, Elkhart, IN each with a Service Recognition Award. Farver has retired and worked with Newmar for over 20 years. Cripe retired last year and worked with Newmar for over 10 years.
Established in 1968, Newmar is an innovator and leader in the RV manufacturing industry and recognized nationally for its excellence in quality. Newmar employs over 900 employees and is privately owned. Newmar has a dealer network that spans across the United States and Canada. Newmar is located at 355 N. Delaware Street, Nappanee, Indiana, www.newmarcorp.com. Newmar: When You Know The Difference.