WIX Filters Earns Vendor of the Year Award from O`Reilly Auto Parts

Wednesday, 20 February 2002

Only three awards in the large-vendor category were presented during the latest O'Reilly Manager's Conference. WIX Filters took home top honors for its expertise in training and technical support.

WIX Filters received the O'Reilly Training and Technical Support Vendor of the Year Award for its outstanding performance in 2001. In addition to WIX's technical and catalog support, O'Reilly also recognized WIX's dedication to both field and on-site training. More than 1,000 O'Reilly employees took part in field training conducted by 14 representatives, and valuable programs like the Wix Institute of Filtration Technology helped educate countless others on the science and engineering behind quality WIX products.

Bill Sheehan, vice president of sales for Wix Filtration Products stated, "To receive an award from an important customer like O'Reilly is always meaningful, but to receive one of only three total awards that's really great."

The award was presented on Feb. 4 in Tulsa, Okla. Michael Swearengin, O'Reilly vice president of merchandise, presented the Vendor of the Year Award. Accepting on behalf of WIX were Jimmy Redd and Darrell Wesley, WIX Regional Managers. O'Reilly Auto Parts is a member of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Inc., which recently gave WIX an award for outstanding shipping performance. The award was granted to WIX Filters for consistently having the highest ship/fill rate of any supplier to the AAPA.

"From all facets of production, to shipping, and now training, WIX Filters continually distinguishes itself as a leader in its industry," Swearengin said. "Choosing WIX for the O'Reilly Training and Technical Support Vendor of the Year Award was the logical choice."

Since 1939, Wix has been an innovator in filtration products. Wix designs, manufactures and distributes products for automotive, diesel, agricultural, industrial and specialty filter markets. Its product line includes oil, air, cabin interior, fuel, coolant, transmission and hydraulic filters for automobiles, trucks and off-road equipment. Wix Filtration Products are part of Dana Corporation’s Automotive Aftermarket Group, one of the world’s largest independent suppliers to vehicle manufacturers and their related aftermarkets. WIX Filter’s Internet address is www.wixfilters.com.

Dana Corporation is one of the world's largest suppliers of components, modules, and complete systems to global vehicle manufacturers and their related aftermarkets. Founded in 1904 and based in Toledo, Ohio, the company operates some 300 major facilities in 34 countries and employs nearly 70,000 people. The company reported sales of $10.3 billion in 2001. Dana's Internet address is www.dana.com.