CHANTILLY, Va. – At the HDRG Remanufacturing Summit held Jan. 17 in Las Vegas, the Heavy-duty Remanufacturing Group (HDRG) of the Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA) awarded Camerota Truck Parts its prestigious Mike Hill Heavy Duty Remanufacturer of the Year Award.

The award is given to a company or individual who has demonstrated innovative ways to create and grow a successful business model and in the process supported industry efforts to advance the science of remanufacturing.

According to Bill Gager, president of APRA and HDRG, the panel decided to recognize Camerota Truck Parts this year was because it is a leading independent remanufacturer in the aftermarket.

“The recent emphasis of heavy-duty engine parts remanufacturers as a constituent group within HDRG has expanded our horizons to an all-encompassing view of the marketplace, including independents, major OEM component suppliers, OEM service as well as the traditional rebuilders of electrical, drivetrain, brake and steering,” said Gager. “With more than 300 members within the current HDRG membership structure there seems to be plenty of room for growth and HDRG welcomes everyone involved in heavy-duty remanufacturing.”

Camerota Truck Parts was selected because of its success in executing a customer-driven growth strategy. The company has numerous repair and installation facilities in the Northeast, with headquarters in Enfield, Conn. The company celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2010 as a leader in drivetrain expertise and satisfaction. Camerota Truck Parts was started in 1960 by Salvatore “Sam” Camerota (father of current owners Frank, Salvatore and Stephen). In 1974, the focus of the company shifted to remanufacturing transmissions, rear differentials and steering boxes. The company’s large remanufacturing, sales, service and distribution facility is in Enfield. Other facilities are located in North Haven, Conn.; Westborough, Mass.; Bow, N.H.; Bangor, Maine; Valley Cottage, N.Y., and Hamilton, N.J.

Camerota Truck Parts has been a longtime member of APRA and its HDRG Division, as well as the International Truck Parts Association.

A core strength of Camerota Truck Parts is the company’s flexibility and ability to capitalize on growth opportunities as well as the hard work by top management and employees.

In accepting the award, President Frank Camerota stated, “As a culture, we embrace change by focusing on continuous improvement. The next five-to-10 years will present a lot of opportunities for change, and we need to be looking ahead and preparing our company and our employees for these changes.”

Frank Camerota accepted the award from Sandra Standley, HDRG chairman. The company becomes the fourth recipient of this award joining past recipients Precision Rebuilders (St. Clair, Mo.), Weller Truck Parts (Grand Rapids, Mich.) and ArvinMeritor (Plainfield, Ind.).

Standley added, “Having Camerota Truck Parts receive this award is a fitting tribute for a company that has long supported the remanufacturing industry.”