Parker Hannifin Corp.'s Industrial Pump and Motor Div. (HPM) presented its top honor of Strategic Partner to Nalco Co., Naperville, Ill., at a meeting held in Parker Hannifin's Greeneville, Tenn., division headquarters. This award is given to suppliers selected for their understanding and ability to demonstrate practices that support continuous improvement, particularly in cost reduction.

The award comes as a result of process improvement spearheaded by Nalco at the Greeneville plant. During 2002 and 2003, a team of Nalco experts led by Michael Fones, a Nalco senior account manager, prepared a metalworking fluid plan for Parker Hannifin that would produce significant cost savings through tool life improvement. As a result, the Greeneville plant achieved annual tool savings of $399,000.

Nalco is a provider of integrated water treatment and process improvement services, chemicals and equipment programs for industrial and institutional applications.