Centric Parts, a leading manufacturer and supplier of aftermarket brake components and systems for import and domestic cars and trucks in all driving situations, has been named 2011 Branded Supplier of the Year by Automotive Parts Associates (APA), a leading member-owned cooperative representing over a billion dollars of purchasing power annually. This the record-setting third Branded Supplier of the Year award in a row for Centric Parts from APA.
“What already felt like a strong partnership between APA and Centric Parts has managed to grow stronger in the last year," said Dan Lelchuk, president of Centric Parts, about the award announced in San Diego as part of APA’s annual gathering. "We stick solidly to our Right Part, Right Place, Right Time philosophy and through it we have been fortunate to have thrived along with APA."
APA gives out this award annually to the company with the highest-quality sales force, efficient order fill process, great cataloging and quality products. Centric Parts as a supplier has been in particular singled out for high order fills, quick turnaround times, being first to market with late model applications, providing and supporting innovative new products, low rate of warranty claims, and offering exceptional sales and technical support throughout the year. This marks the fourth award in total from APA for the 10 year old Centric Parts, which was also named Vendor of the Year in 2007.
APA was originally formed in Kansas City in 1973 as an advertising program for 35 independent jobbers purchasing from a local warehouse distributor. APA became a member owner cooperative in 1994. Today, Automotive Parts Associates has grown from under 10 warehouses to 100 independent warehouse distributors. APA’s members have over 178 locations throughout the United States and Canada offering a wide assortment of national brand product lines as well as a substantial line of "Professionals’ Choice" brand products.
Centric Parts (www.centricparts.com), a Southern California company that includes StopTech and Power Slot, was founded in 2000 and now operates multiple warehouse and manufacturing facilities totaling nearly half-a-million square feet and exceeding 500 employees. The company’s skilled and seasoned experts and executive team from across the industry fuel Centric Parts’ entrenched knowledge of the automotive aftermarket and dedication to research and development. The company has one of the industry’s best programs for tracking and cataloging original equipment and uses this expertise to devise and deliver quality aftermarket and OE parts for consumers, mechanics and car makers.
