Chicago Heights Facility Wins Honda Supplier Performance Award: Business Spotlight

UGN has been in the Heights for 25 years, and what better way to celebrate a quarter century than with an award from one of the world's biggest car companies?

Last Friday, representatives from Honda came to the Chicago Heights automotive parts facility and handed the 2011 Supplier Performance Award to three of the State Street facility's 236 employees. 

The best part of the big moment: It's the fourth consecutive year the facility has won the award.

"Today is very special because the performance award, to receive it for four consecutive years, it's an accomplishment," UGN Plant Manager David Passmore said. "Your paperwork has to be flawless, and we've done that for four years in a row. … Our Chicago Heights team runs smooth."

Chicago Heights Mayor David Gonzalez spoke to the room full of employees, recalling his personal connection to the old building, which used to house a roof parts manufacturer.

"Back in the ’70s and ’60s, my father worked at this same facility," Gonzalez said. "It did bring back a lot of memories because I haven't been back in this location in more than 30 years."

In a difficult economic time, Gonzalez commended the company for casting a positive light on the Heights, which was once the juggernaut of American industrial towns.

"I congratulate everybody here, but more importantly, I thank you for bringing that recognition back to Chicago Heights," Gonzalez said.

UGN Vice President of Sales and Marketing Paul Papke also commended the workers for their efforts, especially as a supplier to a Japanese company.

"We all know what we went through, with the earthquake and tsunami and the tragedy," Papke said. "But we persevered."

Finally, Honda representatives Doug Gladman and Doug Medlar were on hand to present the award to three employees—Helen Perry, Kathleen Bernsley and Michael Williams. Don Kawalski also was selected for the presentation but was unable to attend.

"We appreciate everything you do," Gladman said to the crowd of UGN employees.

Those in attendance enjoyed celebratory cake and took pictures with the mayor before returning to their award-winning work.