Reprinted with permission from Industrial Distribution  Magazine, August, 1997

Since 1990, United Defense L.P. has awarded the small companies it buys from with its Small Business Supplier of the Year award. But it wasn't until this year that an MRO distributor was so honored.

This year's winning firm was Zenmar Power Tools & Hoists, a $4 million, 15 year old distributorship specializing in pneumatic tools, high-pressure hydraulics, lifting equipment, and electric tools.

"I felt that they went the extra mile," says Natalie Baker, a buyer at United Defense's York, Pa., facility. She was pointing out that Zenmar's salespeople are always on the production floor asking questions of workers so they can solve an entire problem, not simply sell a product. "They really tried to form a partnership with us for the well being of both our companies - and the employees.

"Though I've been submitting names since 1990, this past year with Zenmar was very heartwarming," says Barbara Knox, who evaluates the nominees based on federal criteria: financial strength, controls, labor relations and operations; customer interaction, technical capabilities, product knowledge and company performance; cost and delivery performance and quality of product; and an overall summary written by the nominating buyer. She went on to say that having Zenmar's mascot - a seven and a half year-old yellow Labrador named Puppy - attended United Defense's awards ceremony on April 28th was especially touching. "They are a company that fully appreciated and was so overwhelmed by the experience."

Our Vision...

Our Warranty...
Perfection Guaranteed!!!

Our Commendations...
"I am proud to provide the leadership for such an important Agency and for such a vital national interest...Congratulations...You exemplify the finest traditions of our Nation, and we are proud to honor you."
- Aida Alvarez-Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration

"The success of our program is greatly dependent on the dedication of the subcontractors, like yourself, to meet schedule and to deliver quality hardware and software."
- Peter C. Woglom-Vice President & General Manager, United Defense L.P., York, PA

"Zenmar has always been very helpful in solving our construction situations and we know you can be counted upon to be the innovative and production minded."
- Rick MacInnes-Director Engineer, Kiewit Construction Company, Baltimore, MD

"We are impressed by the attitudes and over all knowledge of your staff."
- Bryan M. Hissey-Buyer & Audit Team Leader, Eastalco Aluminum Co., Frederick, MD

"Whiting-Turner is totally committed to providing its customer with the finest quality products...this can only be done with a project team that shares commitment...Zenmar Power Tools, Inc...."
- Charles A. Irish-Executive Vice President, Whiting-Turner Contracting Co., Baltimore, MD