LAFAYETTE, Ind. – During its annual supplier conference, Wabash National Corporation recognized 22 top suppliers with awards for exceptional performance to help the organization meet customer needs.

“We value the relationships with our suppliers and the support they provide to help Wabash National deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions for our customers,” said Dick Giromini, Wabash National Corporation president and chief executive officer. “This select group of suppliers has demonstrated the kind of commitment to excellence that allows Wabash National to enhance customer satisfaction with evolving product and technology innovations.”

The conference saw almost 400 attendees representing 150 supplier organizations. Keynote speakers included Craig Bouchard, chairman and chief executive officer at Signature Group Holdings, Inc., and Tim Quinlan, vice-president and economist at Wells Fargo.

“Partnerships are critical to our success as a diversified industrial manufacturer,” said Wabash National v.p. of Global Strategic Sourcing Steve Miller. “These select suppliers bring unique ideas and a sense of urgency that continues to raise the bar and redefine the reciprocal value of partnership.”

Wabash presented the 2014 Supply Chain Leadership and Performance Pinnacle Supplier Award to Lafayette Steel & Aluminum. The company was given the award based on its excellent service and providing proactive solutions for Wabash National Customers.

The twenty Platinum Awards were given for excellence in supply chain performance delivery, quality, cost and innovation were given to: All State Fastener Corporation, American Aluminum Extrusion, Bridgestone Corporation, Chicago Tube & Iron, CMC Impact Metals, G&D Integrated, GC3 Logistics, Kauffman Engineering, Inc., Lincoln Electric Company, Maxion Wheels, NORD Gear Corporation, Office Depot, Old Dominion Freight Line, Shandong Special Industry Group, SMC Pneumatics, Steel Dynamics, Inc., Steel of West Virginia, Inc., Truck-Lite Co., LLC, Waters Industrial and Wiley Metal Fabricating, Inc.

The Distinguished Supplier Award was presented to Hicksgas, LLC.

In conjunction with the supplier conference, Wabash National raised $280,000 for 17 community organizations yesterday at its charity golf event.

“Thanks to the commitment and generous support from our suppliers, this year’s charity golf outing was the most successful event in its history,” said Dick Giromini, president and chief executive officer. “As one of the largest employers in the Lafayette area, Wabash National is proud to support and work with local and national agencies to sustain and promote a promising future for America’s communities.”