Stewart & Stevenson Services, Inc. will open a new 18,000 square-foot training center in Houston in May. In addition, a new training center opened at the company's Sacramento, Calif., Customer Service Center in January 2003. "Stewart & Stevenson is increasing its long tradition of providing service through training. Our belief is that training is essential for superior performance and customer satisfaction with our business partners' products," said Roy Allice, Manager of Stewart & Stevenson Training. "Training is a also a contributor to the customer's profitable operation."The new Houston Training Center features classrooms and labs devoted to diesel engine and transmission training, ranging from product familiarization through operation, maintenance and overhaul. Hands-on training is provided on Allison, EMD, Detroit Diesel, Deutz, Hyster, MBE, Mercury Marine, Steyr, MTU and Waukesha. Courses also are provided on special controls and components. All training is factory authorized and taught by certified instructors.The Houston Training Center is available to host training sessions offered by supplier partners, and a fully equipped training van is available for on- location training. Computer-based training also is available.Stewart & Stevenson has the capability to customize training to each customer's specific equipment, and instructors travel worldwide to provide this training.In addition to engine, transmission and equipment training, the Houston Training Center is developing Essential Skills Training, including Customer Service, Time Management, Employee Relationships, Sales, New Employee Indoctrination, and Supervisor and Manager Skills Training -- all of which will be available soon.