GASTONIA, N.C. (April 16, 2015) — Genuine Parts Co.'s NAPA Filters brand has been awarded the Spirit of NAPA Award for 2014, marking the 10th time it has been selected for the honor.
NAPA Filters, whose products are manufactured by Affinia Global Filtration, competed with other NAPA suppliers in rigorous criteria categories, the company said, ranging from product quality, line leadership and shipping performance, to sales and marketing, customer service, technical and communications support and merchandising excellence.
Keith Wilson, Affinia Group president and CEO of Affinia Global Filtration, accepted the award — known as one of the automotive aftermarket's most prestigious recognitions — on behalf of NAPA Filters. In his remarks, Mr. Wilson said that “being voted ‘best of the best' by one of the world's largest filter distributors is an incredible achievement.
“Our team has always worked with a fierce pride and passion in what we do. This award is a direct reflection of our collective team effort — 4,000 people strong — and our dedication to excellence at all levels.”
NAPA said the annual selection of the Spirit of NAPA Award has grown out of the company's “history of exceptional customer support, dedication to innovation and the high level of quality that creates enduring companies with generations of loyal supporters.”
Dave McColley, NAPA senior vice president of marketing and sales, said “for nearly 50 years NAPA and Affinia Global Filtration have been a united force, producing NAPA Filters. We have embraced challenges, change and success together, and believe in the strength of our long-term partnership,
“Winning the Spirit of NAPA award one time proves you can have a great year; being honored with the award on 10 different occasions demonstrates the highest level of dedication to excellence.”
Dan Askey, president of NAPA, presented the award at the company's recent annual NAPA Vendor Summit meeting in Atlanta.
Started in 1966, NAPA Filters was the first branded product under the NAPA name, according to the company, which markets light and heavy-duty filters in the automotive aftermarket, serving domestic and import vehicles sold in the U.S., as well as heavy equipment and industrial hydraulic applications. NAPA Filters are sold exclusively through NAPA auto parts stores.
Affinia Group designs, manufactures, distributes and markets industrial-grade products and services, including aftermarket products for automotive and heavy-duty vehicles. The company has approximately $1.4 billion in annual revenue, Affinia with operations in North and South America, Europe and Asia.
