Excellence in Distribution Awards 2000

By John J. Keough -- Industrial Distribution, 12/1/2000

In this month's issue, we're pleased to present the winners of this year's Excellence in Distribution Awards contest (p.37). The two winners clearly demonstrate excellence in several key areas: technical and engineering services, training and education, and employee benefits.

The winners are Miller Bearings of Orlando, Fla., and Mosier Fluid Power of Kentucky.

Miller Bearings, which has been in existence since 1947, is a mid-size distributor that sells bearings, electrical and mechanical power transmission products, electric motors and controls as well as other products. Miller, a family-owned company, is committed to a continuous quality improvement program. It is also well known for its strong focus on service to its customers and vendors.

In addition to stocking a wide range of product, Miller Bearings provides services that range from just-in-time delivery to communicating with vendors through electronic data interchange, inventory management services, kitting, drive start-up assistance/monitoring, diagnostic services, plant surveys and more.

Mosier, a 17-year-old company, sells fluid power systems and components as well as electronic controls and equipment to customers throughout Kentucky. Training is critical to the company's success. The company has application engineers on staff to support company salespeople as well as customers. Mosier employees train customers on a wide range of issues: new products, customized systems, and general electronics and pneumatics. The company has become expert in developing solutions for application problems.

On a personal note, I want to thank the many readers who took the time to call or write me following my recent successful triple-bypass surgery. Needless to say, the surgery was a traumatic event both for my family and me and your calls and notes of support meant a great deal.

Writing about distribution these past 16 years has been one of the highlights of my journalism career. I've been fortunate enough to develop many, many distribution friendships over the years and I can't thank you enough for the support you have given me during the past few months.

I'd also like to thank my ID editorial colleagues for the outstanding work they did to continue producing a quality magazine in my absence. Thanks, Victoria, Susan, Julie, Ken, Alice, Pamela, Scott, Alison, and Jennifer. You guys are the best.