AWARD WINNERS 2000 EXCELLENCE IN DISTRIBUTION AWARDS

By Staff -- Industrial Distribution, 12/1/2000

Industrial Distribution is proud to announce the winners of its seventh annual Excellence in Distribution Awards. From the start, the purpose of the awards program has been to recognize distributors that rise to the top of their class by providing quality services, maintaining a healthy financial position, and offering employees solid benefits and training opportunities. This year was no exception, and we received outstanding entries from companies across the nation.

This year's winners demonstrate excellence in several key areas: technical and engineering services; training and education; and employee benefits, for example. What's more, the letters we received from end users and suppliers in support of the winners show that the efforts these distributors are making in their respective marketplaces are not going unnoticed.

Our first winner is Miller Bearings, Inc. of Orlando, Fla. Since 1947, Miller Bearings has been serving Florida's needs for bearings, electrical and mechanical power transmission products, electric motors and controls, and more. This mid-sized distribution firm serves a variety of industries-ranging from manufacturing to agriculture to aggregate-with a strong focus on providing value and service. In addition, the company provides its 130-plus employees with a family business atmosphere and generous benefits.

Our second winner is Mosier Fluid Power of Kentucky, a specialty distributor serving OEMs, machine builders and others in the Kentucky market. Mosier sells and services pneumatic and electronic controls for factory automation. Formed 17 years ago as the branch of a larger firm, the company is now independently owned, with 15 employees and sales of $5.7 million last year. Mosier is working to expand its coverage to the border states of Tennessee and Ohio. In January, the company opened a branch in northern Kentucky to help gain a foothold in the Cincinnati market. Other plans include enhancing its use of the Web and continuing to add complementary products to its high-tech lines.

Congratulations to our winners. As part of the award, each company will receive a donation to the charity of their choice. Also, a special thanks to all the companies who entered the competition this year. Their entries show that many distributors are offering the kinds of value-added services and internal programs that help streamline and strengthen the industrial channel.