Valspar Recognized as a John Deere "Partner-Level Supplier"
MINNEAPOLIS, May 21, 2007 - The Valspar Corporation (NYSE-VAL) has earned recognition as a Partner-level supplier for 2006 and was also named Enterprise Supplier of the Year in the John Deere Achieving Excellence program. The Partner-level status is Deere & Company's highest supplier rating.
Valspar was selected for these honors in recognition of its dedication to providing products and services of outstanding quality as well as a strong commitment to continuous improvement.
As a leading global coatings manufacturer, Valspar has provided coatings to John Deere for more than 50 years, from liquid and powder to electrocoat and aftermarket coatings. From a new powder production plant in Shanghai to the recent acquisition of H.B. Fuller's powder coatings business in Europe, Valspar supplies John Deere operations in Asia, Europe, Mexico, Latin America and the United States.
"With our goal to become the best coatings company in the world, we have a strong focus and commitment to provide outstanding customer service," said Steve Erdahl, Valspar executive vice president. "It is tremendously gratifying to receive this prestigious honor from such a valued partner."
Suppliers who participate in the Achieving Excellence program are evaluated annually in several key performance categories, including quality, delivery, cost management, technical support and a rating called "wavelength," which includes initiative, responsiveness, attitude and communication.
John Deere Supply Management created the Achieving Excellence Program in 1991 to provide a supplier evaluation and feedback process that promotes continuous improvement.
Accepting the award on behalf of Valspar was William L. Mansfield, president and chief executive officer. "We are proud to accept this award on behalf of Valspar," said Mansfield. "We strive to satisfy our customers and help them succeed. Recognition from customers like John Deere provides us with the ultimate feedback, and acknowledges we're focusing on the right things for our customers."
The Valspar Corporation (NYSE:VAL) is a global leader in the paint and coatings industry. Since 1806, Valspar has been dedicated to bringing customers the latest innovations, the finest quality and the best customer service in the coatings industry. For more information, visit www.valsparglobal.com.
Valspar Contact: Karl Jorgenrud, (309) 743-7239
