Press Releases

Company Consolidates Aftermarket Parts Sales

Dean Ward, Manager – Parts Distribution

PIQUA, Ohio — October 22, 2001 — Hartzell Propeller today announced the creation of a new parts distribution group created to exclusively handle all aftermarket parts sales. This group is dedicated to servicing propeller repair and overhaul facilities in an effort to help these propeller repair stations better support Hartzell’s end-user customers.

The company has consolidated its entire aftermarket parts inventory into one warehouse at the headquarters facility in Piqua, Ohio, which now serves as the master distribution center. This distribution facility will continue to be supplemented by a recognized worldwide network of independent distributors and the new group will be responsible for oversight of these facilities and the network of Hartzell Recommended Repair Facilities.

As part of its installation of a company-wide MAPICS XA Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, Hartzell has implemented a sophisticated demand forecasting system to assist in maintaining the proper inventory to meet customer needs. Through the integration of this forecasting solution with its manufacturing planning system, inventory levels are continually replenished as they are consumed.

“Hartzell is focused on providing exceptional customer support and our new ERP system provided the planning tool needed to implement improvements in our parts distribution system,” said Mike Disbrow, Hartzell’s Senior Vice President Marketing, Applications & Customer Support. “The creation of our new Parts Distribution group elevates that level of support – ultimately leading to increased satisfaction for Hartzell propeller owners.”

Dean Ward has been appointed to manage the Parts Distribution Group. Ward, who has been with Hartzell for more than 22 years filling many roles in production, product support, quality and service, most recently served as a Manager of Customer Service at Hartzell’s Factory Service Center. He has been involved in a variety of end-user service functions throughout his career and has extensive knowledge about the parts used in Hartzell’s broad product line. In the new role, two customer service representatives and the company’s warehousing and shipping functions report directly to Ward.

Hartzell Propeller Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of propeller systems, well known for its advanced engineering and manufacturing capabilities. The company is rich in aviation heritage, tracing its beginnings to relationships with Orville Wright and Glenn Curtiss. Significant technical innovations include the industry’s first full-feathering propeller for light twins, the first fully reversing propellers for corporate turboprops and the industry’s first composite structure blades. NASA recently selected Hartzell as the exclusive propeller partner for its General Aviation Propulsion (GAP) program – developing the next generation of general aviation propulsion systems.

For more information on Hartzell, fax your request to Hartzell at (937) 778-4321.