Pictured from Left to Right:
Standing: Bernadine Widmer, Buyer; Mark Gravemier, Production Control Manager; Jennifer Bolen, Purchasing Assistant; Bob Young, Maintenance Supervisor; Steve Merkley, Engineer; Dennis Williams, Plant Manager; from Parker's Process Filtration Division.
Seated: D. Aaron Zell, Materials Manager (Parker); Michael P. Brennan, V.P. Sales and Marketing (Eagle Nonwovens); Ron Nelson, Lean Manager (Parker).

Eagle Nonwovens Inc., has been awarded a Network Procurement® Agreement from Parker Hannifin Corporation's Process Filtration Division. Parker Hannifin has been focused on identifying and qualifying suppliers to function as strategic procurement partners for the $3 billion of goods they purchase annually. The services of Synchronus Management International, Ltd. were engaged to assist Parker in establishing a methodology called Network Procurement®. This methodology emphasizes trust between suppliers and buyers as the foundation for contracts that require significant commitments from both sides. The business relationship continues forever as long as both parties fulfill their commitments to each other.

Each potential supplier agreed to be involved in training sessions to better understand Parker's philosophy. After completing the rigorous training required, Eagle Nonwovens Inc. was qualified by both Parker and SMI personnel. The qualifying process involved site inspection, and extensive review of manufacturing processes, documentation of continuous quality improvement plans, etc. After qualifying, Eagle Nonwovens, Inc. faced competition from existing suppliers. Competition for the procurement award was intense but Eagle has the same commitment to lean operations management that Parker does. Thus, Eagle just fit the strategic partner profile Parker desires.