nhbb :: New Hampshire Ball Bearings’ Astro Division Receives Supplier Award From Bell Helicopter

New Hampshire Ball Bearings’ Astro Division Receives Supplier Award From Bell Helicopter


Representatives from Bell Helicopter made a special visit to Astro’s facility in Laconia, NH to celebrate Astro’s selection as a Premier Supplier. Gail Knight (L), Strategic Commodity Manager for Bell, presented Bell’s Premier Supplier Award to Materials Manager Barry Wilk, Human Resources Manager Gary Groleau and Manufacturing Manager Bob Hammond.

December 27, 2007 (Laconia, NH): Bell Helicopter presented New Hampshire Ball Bearings’ Astro Division with an award for providing exceptional service and support during the past 12 months. Astro received a Premier Supplier Award under Bell’s new initiative launched a year ago to recognize and further promote its most supportive and highest performing business partners.

Astro achieved high marks for its on-time delivery performance, consistently high product quality, and streamlined manufacturing practices. Bell auditors were particularly impressed with the division’s strong Six Sigma culture and Lean Manufacturing practices, and they applauded Astro’s efforts to improve efficiency by utilizing advanced multi-axis machines and visual management systems and facilitating smooth shift transitions.

Customer service also received an excellent review. According to Gail Knight, Strategic Commodity Manager for Bell, the NHBB personnel assigned to Bell’s account are extremely customer-oriented. “They are very prompt with returning calls and providing quotes, and are supportive of Bell’s initiatives and flexible regarding our various demands,” said Ms. Knight. “Overall, NHBB is a pleasure to deal with.”

Astro’s Sales Manager, Gino Crecco, suggested that Bell established very high standards for its award program. “We are fortunate in that we possess a strong continuous improvement ethic,” says Gino. “We have implemented systems and procedures throughout the facility that enable us to perform at a higher level. It’s great to be recognized for having enacted improvements that add increased value to the business partnership.”

Bell Helicopter is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tilt rotor aircraft. Globally recognized for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries. Bell is a part of Textron Inc., an $11 billion multi-industry company operating in 32 countries with approximately 40,000 employees.

For more information contact:
Hans Baker, Marketing Coordinator
NHBB, 175 Jaffrey Road, Peterborough, NH 03458
603.924.4100 x5405, hbaker@nhbb.com