Announcements

Whirlpool SABU Awards DNA Group 1999 Supplier of the Year Whirlpool's Small Appliance Business Unit, headquartered in Greenville, OH and home of KitchenAid's countertop appliances, held their second annual Supplier Recognition Banquet on April 27, 2000. Six awards were presented for various categories: Quality, Cost Reduction, Delivery, Early Supplier Involvement, Working Capital Improvement, and Innovation. These categories were also the criteria in selecting the recipient for their top award, "Supplier of the Year". Stan Kinnett, Greenville Division General Manager stated, "This year's vendor currently supplies just 9 part numbers, but scored in the top 3 of each criteria." A supplier of switches and electronic controls, DNA was named as KitchenAid Greenville Division's 1999 Supplier of the Year. Accepting the award was Eric Vaughn, President of DNA Group, Bill Romick, DNA Regional Sales Manager, and Doug Carey, sales representative of Allied Enterprises.

This year's ceremony began with a plant tour of KitchenAid's 80,000 square foot expansion. Jack Smith, Manager of Supplier Performance, gave the opening remarks and Stan Kinnett presented an overview of the 1999 business year noting significant growth. The presentation of the awards concluded the evening's events.

Strategic Customer-Strategic Supplier

In early 1999, DNA designated Whirlpool as a strategic customer with the intended goal of having them rely on DNA as the primary source for switches and electronic controls. DNA offered KitchenAid annual cost incentives in exchange for new business opportunities. Additionally, DNA suggested innovative cost reduction ideas such as alternate designs, sourcing components, and a proactive inventory control program. DNA worked very closely with Whirlpool's engineering team and hosted visits by top management of the Whirlpool SABU division to Defond Manufacturing's plant in Hong Kong. DNA went the extra mile to earn the rewards of Whirlpool's business and the hard work has led up to DNA receiving the Supplier of the Year award. DNA is now categorized as a "Preferred Supplier" throughout Whirlpool-KitchenAid. Contractual agreements between DNA and Whirlpool's dishwasher division are also underway.

"Whirlpool has created a culture of success within SABU and it's contagious to those who supply them. SABU is demanding of their suppliers but they respect them as well. These attitudes at Whirlpool encouraged us to devote the extra effort to contribute to SABU's success"- Eric Vaughn

History

In October of 1995 DNA was introduced to Dave Kett, KitchenAid's Engineering Manager, via Johnson Electric. Shortly thereafter, DNA was awarded an order for KitchenAid's 3- and 5-speed electromechanical hand mixer controls. Full production then began in early 1997. During this time DNA was invited to bid on a digital hand mixer design. This program was already in production, but DNA's innovative thinking resulted in a re-design that provided KitchenAid significant cost savings. This proposal was immediately incorporated into the design and by February 1997 DNA was engaged to develop three versions of the product. DNA and Defond again demonstrated their strength in innovation by suggesting a re-design of the unit so that one assembly would fit all three products.

In December of 1998, DNA was once again invited to bid on a toaster control design. DNA was awarded the business as a result of the strength of the support demonstrated on the previous hand mixer projects and the relationship developed with the Whirlpool group.

The key to DNA's success at Whirlpool SABU has been its ability to respond, service, ask, and innovate without prompting from Whirlpool. DNA has fostered a partner-like relationship with Whirlpool SABU from the very first meeting, which has resulted in KitchenAid Greenville Division regarding DNA as its Supplier of the Year.

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