John Deere Supplier of the Year Award

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Representing Northern Wire, LLC Left to right: Matt Beilke, Plant Manager, George Shields, Sales Manager, Tony Fernandez, President/COO, Representing John Deere, Michael Minteer, Director Supply Chain, David Roy, Supply Base Manager, and Alan Alsop, Manager, Supply Management.

Northern Wire, LLC has earned recognition as a Partner-level supplier for 2007 and was also named C & CE Division Supplier of the Year in the John Deere Achieving Excellence Program. The Partner-level status is Deere & company's highest supplier rating. The Merrill, Wisconsin based company was selected for the honor in recognition of its dedication to providing products and service of outstanding quality as well as its commitment to continuous improvement. Company employees accepted the recognition during formal ceremonies held on January 22, 2008 in Merrill.

NW employees received green and yellow NW shirts to wear the day of the presentation.

Northern Wire is a supplier of wire forms and wire products to John Deere's operations in Horicon, WI, Fuquay-Varina, NC, and Greeneville, TN, Augusta, GA, Ottumwa, IA, and Welland, Canada.

Suppliers who participate in the Achieving Excellence program are evaluated annually in several key performance categories, including quality, cost management, delivery, technical support and wavelength, which is a measure of responsiveness. John Deere Supply Management created the program in 1991 to provide a supplier evaluation and feedback process that promotes continuous improvement.

Northern Wire LLC, is an ISO 9001:2000 certified company which was established in 1973. They have been supplying parts to Deere for over 15 years and this is the first time they have achieved Partner Level status. President & COO, Tony Fernandez, accepted the award on behalf of Northern Wire employees. Mr. Fernandez thanked Deere for the award and noted the accomplishments of the work force who were so important in achieving such an honor. He highlighted Northern Wire's lean journey, and active employee participation in 5S, Six Sigma and continuous improvement. Matt Beilke, Northern Wire's Plant Manager and George Shields, Northern Wire's national Sales Manager were specifically thanked for their day to day efforts to meet Deere production and sales needs.

John Deere provided a luncheon for all employees on the day of the award recognition.

Employees watch in the bleachers as John Deere presents the award to Tony Fernandez.

Michael Minteer, Director of Supply Chain, recognizing NW employees for a job well done.