Wabash wins U.S. Senate productivity award

Sept. 2, 2004
Wabash National Corp. today announced that the company has received the 2003 U.S. Senate Productivity Award for the significant cost savings and improvements in productivity it has achieved over the past two years.

Wabash National Corp. today announced that the company has received the 2003 U.S. Senate Productivity Award for the significant cost savings and improvements in productivity it has achieved over the past two years.

Since July 2002, Wabash National has made improvements throughout its manufacturing operations. By utilizing lean manufacturing techniques and continuous improvement initiatives, the company has achieved an increase in productivity of over 50%; and a total consolidated cost savings from all sources in excess of $75 million.

"These accomplishments are a direct result of the efforts of each and every associate at Wabash National," said Dick Giromini, Wabash National Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. "Thus far, our associates have conducted over 285 Continuous Improvement Events that have produced tremendous benefits for our customers and our company. This type of cross- functional teamwork is critical to our ongoing pursuit of operational excellence."

"We are extremely proud of the progress our associates have made," said Jerry Linzey, Wabash National Vice President of Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement. "A great deal of hard work and focus were necessary to implement and sustain the type of change and improvement we've experienced. Being honored with the U.S. Senate Productivity Award is a significant milestone in the history of Wabash National."

The U.S. Senate Productivity Award is given annually and is sponsored by Senator Richard G. Lugar, the Indiana Manufacturers Association and the Association for Manufacturing Excellence.