HOUSTON, Aug. 14, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- David Weekley Homes, the third largest privately held homebuilder, released the winners of its prestigious Partners of Choice Award. These awards are based on the National Trading Partners Survey, a quarterly review of approximately 150 suppliers rated by team members of David Weekley Homes. Suppliers are rated based on quality and service. Each company's numeric scores are averaged, and then an alpha grade assigned relative to its ranking with all other of Weekley's national trading partners. Alpha grades range from A to F in 20% increments. The Partners of Choice Awards were presented to suppliers who maintained either an "A" rating in Quality or Service, or an "A,A" rating for both Quality and Service for the previous twelve months. "A" awards were given to the following companies: ABC Supply ("A" in quality), BMC West ("A" in service); Office Depot ("A" in service); and Suncoast Post-Tension ("A" in quality). The following companies were recognized as winners of the coveted "A,A" Partners of Choice Award: Boise Engineered Wood Products; the Dow Chemical Company; Eaton Corporation; Elk Group, Inc; Honeywell; James Hardie; Moen Inc. Corporation; Simpson Strong Tie; and Trane. Special recognition goes to the following "A,A" winners that repeated from last year: Dow, Honeywell, James Hardie, Simpson Strong Tie, and Trane.
The Weekley organization has demonstrated its strong commitment to excellence by the participation of approximately 1,000 team members from every market and every level inside their organization. In addition to rating partners on quality and service, team members are also asked specific questions such as "Do you know who your local representative is and how to contact them?", "What is an appropriate response time for a supplier to return your message?" and "What three things separate an average supplier from a great supplier?"
Bill Justus, Vice President of Supply Chain Services for David Weekley Homes, implemented the unique supplier rating system in order to achieve channel alignment of all parties within the supply chain. By providing feedback from builders, design center, warranty service, administrative personnel, and executive team, trading partners know exactly how they are doing in each market and at every level inside the Weekley organization. In summary, the survey highlights the importance for trading partners to be responsive to all David Weekley Homes' team members.
"Receiving the "A,A" Partners of Choice Award is the highest compliment we can pay our suppliers," Justus said. "It's very hard for a supplier to achieve an A rating in quality and service for the entire year. In some instances we have partners who have done it for two consecutive years. This is extraordinary, especially when you consider the breadth of the survey and the changing environment. Our winners have proven through their actions that they are the best of the best."
"It's a tremendous honor to be an "A,A" Partners of Choice Award Winner. The National Trading Partners Survey is extremely comprehensive. It validates that we are doing the right things, and that our structure works," said Jim Ambery, Strategic Account Manager for Moen Inc. Corporation. "Sometimes what we think is right, doesn't necessarily mean the customers think it's right. The A,A award helps us to reinforce our strategy."
"It's a wonderful honor. We all think we know what is important to the customer and the best way to service our customers, but we aren't always right. This survey is a comprehensive way to measure the results of our efforts, said Ross Crum, National Builder Specialist for Elk Group, Inc.
Stan Wilson, President and CEO of BMC West, stated, "With its survey process, David Weekley Homes gives us a way to objectively identify and respond to supply chain issues for both our companies. It is a cooperative relationship that strengthens operating efficiency and improves housing quality. We are delighted to receive an award that recognizes our ability to provide homebuilders with a best-value package of quality products and tailored services leveraging our unified market management."
About David Weekley Homes
David Weekley Homes, founded in 1976, is headquartered in Houston and operates in 16 cities across the United States. Since inception, David Weekley Homes has closed more than 50,000 homes with 2005 revenues exceeding $1 billion. For more information about David Weekley Homes, visit the company's web site at www.davidweekleyhomes.com.