SPRINGDALE, ARK. — Five companies were named winners in the 4th annual Tyson Foods’ Supplier of the Year awards program: A-Tech Inc., Hantover Inc., Mid-Tec Inc., FlexSol Packaging Corp. and Kerry Group plc. Tyson recently recognized these companies as Suppliers of the Year in their respective categories. Each received a certificate of appreciation and a special crystal vase.

All 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, Tyson Foods.

Hantover Inc., a Kansas City, Mo.-based distributor of production supplies to the food industry, was the other Indirect Supplier winner. "Hantover is very easy to do business with," said Stephanie Pendergraft, sourcing manager, Tyson Foods. "The company’s sales supports staff is experienced, knowledgeable and dedicated to providing highly efficient customer service to all of our locations."

Mid-Tech Inc., an Anderson, Mo.-based business, won the Contractor of the Year award. "Mid-Tech has been a major Tyson contractor for many years," said Matt Fox, senior buyer, Tyson Foods. "The people of this company are competitive bidders, complete their jobs on time and do quality work."

FlexSol Packaging Corp. of Pompano Beach, Fla., won the Direct Packaging Supplier of the Year award. "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, Tyson Foods.

Kerry Ingredients of Tralee, Ireland, won the Direct Ingredient Supplier of the Year honor. "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, Tyson Foods.