Newmar Honors Top Vendors
Released November 14, 2007
Newmar Corporation, the Indiana-based manufacturer of high quality Class A motorhomes and fifth wheels, recently honored its top vendors of the year at its 14th annual Vendor Appreciation Dinner held at Das Dutchman Essenhaus in Middlebury, Indiana.
Earning Newmar’s most prestigious award was DH Machine of Nappanee. They were awarded the 2007 Virgil Miller Award of Excellence for providing excellent supplier support in all phases of business over the past year. DH Machine supplies Newmar with steel fabricated parts.
“DH Machine was selected as the number one vendor for many reasons,” explained Terry Martin, Newmar Purchasing Agent. “They are a steel fabricator that literally have hundreds of parts they supply Newmar with that many times are very small quantities, some as small as one. DH Machine services the needs of our Engineering Department with quick turnaround on samples and quotes. They have been a Top Ten award winner five of the last six years and their quality and commitment to customer service has earned them this award.”
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 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: Alro Steel Corporation, Niles, MI; Clean Seal, South Bend, IN; HWH Corporation, Moscow, IA; Jenkins Automotive, Nappanee; Midland Machine, Edwardsburg, MI; Motion Industries, South Bend; Norcold/Thetford Inc., Ann Arbor, MI; Positron Corporation, Elkhart; Spartan Motors, Charlotte, MI; and Team Industries, Grand Rapids, MI.
Newmar also recognized individuals at the dinner with various awards. Customer Service Awards were presented to Amanda Girten of Positron and Janelle Bracey of Habegger, Decatur, IN.
Salesperson of the Year went to Doug Schnell of Keyline Sales, Elkhart. Dennis Wuthrich from Better Way Product in New Paris, IN was honored with the Delivery Service Award.
Newmar recognized Russ Heerdt of Winegard, Burlington, IA, with the Service Recognition Award for his years of commitment and hard work.
Two new awards were incorporated this year at the dinner. Eckhart received the first-ever Purchasing Recognition Award. The second all-new award for 2007 was an Engineering Innovation Award that Cass Hudson Company from South Bend won.
O’Connell also spoke of his appreciation to all the vendors and suppliers for the wonderful job they do and also to the Newmar employees who help to make the evening possible.
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.