Lynchburg, Va. (June 30, 2009)—N.B. Handy Company of Lynchburg, Va., one of the nation’s leading independent distributors of HVAC equipment and supplies, commercial roofing materials, sheet metal, and metal fabrication machinery, announced its Top Suppliers of 2008.

This recognition honored N.B. Handy’s “Preferred Vendors” for outstanding performance during the 2008 calendar year. To qualify, vendors must score well on an in-depth objective and subjective evaluation. This program has been in place for a number of years and has been touted as one of the most comprehensive evaluations in the HVAC and roofing industries.

Vendor evaluation is divided into four categories: delivery, finance, service and growth. Each metric has a point value range from low to high. Each metric also has a specific weight to differentiate the relative value of one metric to another. The evaluation compares current year scores with the previous year to determine the improvement, maintenance or decline of the various factors.

Sam Meeks, vice president of vendor management and procurement, said, “The purpose of our vendor performance review and recognition process is threefold. First, we want to clearly convey the metrics that are meaningful to N.B. Handy that, if achieved at best practice levels, can positively impact our costs, profits, and revenues. Achievement on the various metrics strongly influences decisions and the how we spend our purchasing dollars. Second, we use our face-to-face reviews as an opportunity to discuss, understand, and improve upon our relationships. Third, using our rigorous program, we have the ability to compare scores and recognize our top performers for that year. We get to convey to that group a very special appreciation for a job done exceedingly well.”

The 2008 Top Suppliers include several first-time winners and another special distinction. In years past, N.B. Handy has distinguished two top awards, Vendor or the Year and Steel Vendor of the Year. This year Severstal, Sparrows Point took both honors.

Vendor of the Year & Steel Vendor of the Year

Severstal, Sparrow Steel

Outstanding Sales Performance

Atco Rubber

Berger Brothers

Ductmate Industries

Durodyne

GAF Commercial Roofing

Gray Metals

JM International-Mechanical Insulation

Quietflex

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About N.B. Handy
N.B. Handy is one of the country’s largest independent wholesale distributors of HVAC Equipment and Supplies for Residential, Commercial, and Industrial use, Commercial Roofing and Waterproofing supplies, and Precision Metal Fabricating Machinery, including on-site repair and service. Headquartered in Lynchburg, Va. and privately held since 1891, the company has 18 strategically located, full service sales and distribution facilities in Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Tennessee. For more information about N.B. Handy Company sales and service, call 800-274-6244 or log on to www.nbhandy.com.