MEMPHIS, Tenn., Jan 24, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- AutoZone, Inc.
(NYSE: AZO), the nation's leading auto parts and accessories retailer, has
recognized two of its manufacturing vendors as the company's Suppliers of the
Year. Morse Automotive and Unit Parts Company were recognized for their
achievements at the annual AutoZone Vendor Summit.
Morse Automotive, the nation's largest independently owned manufacturer of
brake shoes and disc pads, supplies Valucraft, Duralast and Duralast Gold
brake pads and shoes. The Chicago-based company was represented at the Summit
by Jay McCory, executive vice president, who accepted the award. Unit Parts
Company, an Oklahoma City-based manufacturer, supplies AutoZone with
alternators and starters. Jack Vollbrecht, the company's president, accepted
the AutoZone award.
"These two outstanding companies have a long-term track record of
supporting AutoZone and our millions of customers," said Steve Odland,
chairman, president and CEO of AutoZone. "Morse Automotive and Unit Parts
Company deliver excellence and set the standard for all of our other
suppliers."
AutoZone also recognized a special group of suppliers with the company's
prestigious Extra Miler Award. Extra Miler Vendors are: The Valvoline Company,
Shell Lubricants, MPA, Inc., Fenwick, EF Products, Great Neck Saw
Manufacturers, R&B - Motormite, Qualis Automotive and Wells Manufacturing.
"The Extra Miler Award is bestowed on those manufacturers who have gone
the extra mile for AutoZone and AutoZone's customers. These Extra Milers
consistently support AutoZone, produce quality merchandise while holding down
costs," said Jim Shea, the company's executive vice president of Merchandising
and Marketing.
About AutoZone:
As of November 20, 2004, AutoZone sells auto and light truck parts,
chemicals and accessories through 3,448 AutoZone stores in the United States
and 64 AutoZone stores in Mexico and also sells the ALLDATA brand automotive
diagnostic and repair software. On the web, AutoZone sells diagnostic and
repair information and auto and light truck parts
through http://www.autozone.com .
SOURCE AutoZone, Inc.
Media, Ray Pohlman, +1-901-495-7962, or ray.pohlman@autozone.com , or Financial,
Brian Campbell, +1-901-495-7005, or brian.campbell@autozone.com , both of AutoZone,
Inc.