Springdale, Arkansas – May 26, 2009 – Five companies have been named winners in the 4th annual Tyson Foods’ Supplier of the Year awards program, the company reported today. 

A-Tech, Inc., Hantover, Inc., Mid-Tec, Inc., FlexSol Packaging Corp., and Kerry Group, plc, were recently recognized by Tyson as Supplier of the Year in their respective categories.  Each received a certificate of appreciation and a special crystal vase.

The awards were based on continuous improvement contributions, performance surveys from Tyson locations, innovation, order fill rate, sales and technical support, ease of doing business, and diversity support efforts.

One of two winners in the Indirect Supplier category was A-Tech, Inc., a Tulsa-based factory and process automation company

“The people of A-Tech are continually exceeding expectations, troubleshooting machine performance issues and proactively looking for ways to help us save money while maintaining quality,” said Tim Pollard, Sourcing Manager for Tyson Foods.

The other Indirect Supplier winner was Hantover, Inc., a Kansas City based distributor of production supplies to the food industry.

“Hantover is very easy to do business with,” said Stephanie Pendergraft, Sourcing Manager for Tyson Foods.  “The company’s sales supports staff is experienced, knowledgeable and dedicated to providing highly efficient customer service to all of our locations.”

The Contractor of the Year award went to Mid-Tech, Inc., an Anderson, Missouri, business.

“Mid-Tech has been a major Tyson contractor for many years,” said Matt Fox, Senior Buyer for Tyson Foods.  “The people of this company are competitive bidders, complete their jobs on time and do quality work.”

The Direct Packaging Supplier of the Year was FlexSol Packaging Corp. of Pompano Beach, Florida. 

“FlexSol is a national supplier of bags and liners and modified its service and distribution program to adapt to Tyson’s needs,” said Morrie Milldrum, Director of Packaging for Tyson Foods.

The Direct Ingredient Supplier of the Year honor was given to Kerry Ingredients of Tralee, Ireland.

“We appreciate Kerry’s commitment to product ideas and innovation, including the technical support the company has given our plants and our corporate research and development team,” said Randy Allison, Sourcing Manager for Tyson Foods.

Tyson Foods, Inc., founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is the world’s largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef and pork, the second-largest food production company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products and is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves.  Tyson provides products and service to customers throughout the United States and more than 90 countries.  The company has approximately 107,000 Team Members employed at more than 300 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world.  Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it. 

Contact:  Gary Mickelson 479-290-6111