The Goderich Signal-Star, 1986-11-05, Page 73NMI
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9B crWN
Champion people power
GSS/Wednesday Nov 5 1986
ultimately give the company
inventory control and a measure of
accuracy.
"MRP is a two-year program and
it was a tough decision to make
three years ago, but, we felt
confident that we could significantly
reduce costs," Bruce says. "There
.are less than 20 companies in
Canada doing it and less than 200 in
North America. We're leapfrogging
l 1}>'lll
uv ci tries.
Having introduced manufacturing
resource planning, and reducing the
models offered, Champion then spent
millions of dollars in plant
improvements and machinery.
Ultimately, while costs have
continued to increase, Sully says the
company has managed to cut the
cost of the final product
substantially. And that could mean
everything in today's market.
-We will be a major player in the
road grader business. The
opportunity is there and the stage is
set," Sully says."We are a stronger
company now, with the ability to
manage and we have the dedication
of our people. We've survived as a
strong, healthy company and there
is a vibrancy here."
As a more cost-efficient company,
Champion will be in a better position
to secure export opportunities, 70-80
per cent of which are won through
the tender process. To be a player, a
company has to have its sticker
price in order. And now Champion
has one of the most competitive
products on the market.
"If you're going to be competitive,
price is important," he explains. "If
we can increase our volume, it will
_ 1,-., change ti -IP wry we do things.
Already, we're a major play el in the
gear cutting business and one of the
few people designing their own
power trains." a
While Champion now produces
quality road grader, Bruce Sully,
more than anyone, recognizes that
the company's strength is people. An
advocate of `people power', he
believes that people have to be
involved, informed, developed and
compensated for their efforts.
"You have to treat people
properly, be fair and you should pay
them well. They have to live too." he
says. "If you expect people to be
good, then you have to be willing to
invest in them."
Communication and involvement
Continued on Page 10
CEO Brucev_
When Bruce Sully became Champion's president in 1968, the com-
pany's name was changed to Champion Road Machinery Ltd. to
reflect the product.
f,- ;, °ehrmart is a company that sells
fit• quality products and services
that provide good value at a
low price to its customers. We
will continue to be known as a
low cost operator in the super-
market industry. Our people
accomplish this by being highly
innovative, results and customer
oriented in all our actions.
We expect honesty and integrity
in all dealings with our
customers, employees, suppliers
and the community. Our day-
to-day actions give us a sense
of pride that we are a part of
the Zehrmart Organization.
We are a reflection of the
- quality and service we provide.
Serving Goderich & Area for 10 Years
Join Ray Hurd and Stasi in Celebrating
their 10th Anniversary Nov. 3rd to 8th
Hwy. 8, Goderich
524-2674.
zehrs
Steel Proud!
St. Thomas Elgin Steel Ltd., 1983
is proud to be doing business
with Champion Road Machinery.
Our company is (as well)
a Canadian success story with the
hope that Champion continues
to grow and provide leadership in the
heavy equipment industry.
We supply steel products
on a rush basis for Champion so
to better enable Champion
to service its valued customers.
Our role is,
and we hope will be in the future,
one of support for Champion
as it tackles the world.
ST.. THOMAS ELGIN STEEL LTD.
'it) Curran goold, St Thornas, Ontario , N5P 3R9
06 265 4345 „ . (519) 633 3555