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IN THIS ISSUE
Back issues

SCOOP 15
• New: Hauler Redesign
• Warner Highlighted at NTEA Show
• Reinvesting in Warner Helps You

• Warner Gets Lean with Purdue

NEW: Hauler Redesign
Engineers Prove that Even the Best can be Improved

Warner engineers recently set out on a difficult task – to improve the Landmark and Hallmark haulers.  These units have built a solid reputation as the best and most beautiful units on the road.  After months of computer designs and prototypes, they proved that even the best products can be improved.

The Landmark series is the elite series for the trailer towing industry.  The new model has a sleek cab guard that is contoured to match the chassis cab with integrated LED backup/spot lights and stop/turn light bar.  Warner’s Hallmark series is identical to the Landmark, but adds two rear compartments behind the axle.  Warner’s interior packages are best-in-class with heated/cooled cup holders, DVD systems and more amenity options than imaginable.

Sterling partnered with Warner to manufacture demonstrator units on their Acterra Crew Cabs.  One of the models was then provided to J.C. Stout, a NASCAR Craftsman Series driver, for use for the 2007 season. 

Click here to see additional photos of the 2007 Hauler Lineup

Warner Highlighted at NTEA Show
Primer, Board of Advisors and Pickup are Shown at Convention

The NTEA’s Work Truck Show has gained a reputation for highlighting features and benefits within the market.  During this year’s 2007 show, Warner had three things to show off. 

 One of the convention’s classes provided examples of providing better quality and customer service.  Warner’s vendor relationship with Sherwin Williams and their exclusive non-sanding primer was featured as an example.  The primer was shown to be a big benefit for customers choosing to utilize it.  Warner president Mark Boice taught a second class entitled, “Why would you run your business in a vacuum?”  This class discussed many of the ways Warner’s board of Advisors has helped Mark manage the company along with providing advice and information on setting up your own board. 

Finally, the Sterling’s Acterra pickup designed and constructed at Warner was a crowd favorite.  Featuring 3 large DVD players, carbon fiber dash and steering wheel and enough neon to light a small room, the unit was certainly a showstopper.  

Click here to see additional photos of the Sterling Acterra Pickup

Reinvesting in Warner Helps You
New Computer, Phone and Engineering Systems are Designed to Benefit You, the Customer

Warner has been spending significant dollars in the last quarter to make changes.  While these changes are not as visible to the customer as a new wheel stamping die or a new delivery semi, we believe they will bring significant positive impacts in the near future. 

First, Warner recently purchased a new computer server and laptop computers along with the latest 3-D engineering software.  The new system will allow engineers to produce 3- dimensional models of the majority of units going through production instead of simply the quantity orders.  This provides three big benefits:

1)       Customers can view 3-dimensional approval drawings giving additional detail and analysis

2)       Engineers have more pre-production quality investigation

3)       Additional scrap savings due to better nesting = lower prices 

Warner also recently implemented a new phone system with 24-hour voicemail and additional call forwarding options.  “Customers can now leave messages for sales, engineering and scheduling even when our offices are closed,” says Carl Rugenstein.  Callers can hear Susy’s cheerful voice and avoid the automated attendant by simply pressing “0”.

Warner Gets Lean with Purdue
Lean Manufacturing Techniques Improve Production

Warner recently aligned with Purdue University to get lean.  The partnership will team up Purdue profesors with Warner’s associates for classes and on-the-job training.

Warner Plant Manager, Mike Henderson, is excited and optimistic about the affiliation.  “Purdue’s expertise in lean manufacturing should help us guarantee consistency and quality while greatly improving efficiencies.  Working with these experts is a great privilege for all of us here at Warner.”