WHEAT RIDGE, Colo. — Engine Parts Group Inc. (EPGI) recently honored five of its top suppliers at its winter shareholders meeting. Companies recognized as "Featured Suppliers" were Durabond Bearing Co., Hastings Piston Rings, JE Pistons, Melling Engine Parts and SA Gear.

Photo, from left to right: Steve Tucker, sales manager, SA Gear; Sal Abdallah, president, SA Gear; Todd Millan, general manager, JE Pistons; Shane Turner, regional manager, JE Pistons; Don Weber, president, Engine Parts Group; Mark Melling, president, Melling Engine Parts; Chuck Barnett, president, Durabond Bearing Co.; Tom DeBlasis, sales manager, Hastings Piston Rings; and Bob Kohler, vice president, Hastings Piston Rings.                                                                                                                         

Featured Suppliers are selected by EPGI members for exhibiting value by offering exceptional programs, policies, and working relationships. Companies chosen for the Featured Supplier award also must be the primary source in its product category to at least 85 percent of EPGI members.

The group also named Don Weber as its president. Weber has had a long relationship with EPGI, having been a shareholder, board member, board chairman and manager of product development. EPGI’s Bob Mitchell has been promoted to product manager.

Founded 20 years ago, EPGI is the largest engine parts distribution network in the U.S. The group is made up of independent specialty engine parts distributors that warehouse a full line of internal engine components for domestic and import passenger car, light truck, heavy duty, industrial, marine, agricultural and performance applications. Engine Pro operates 29 distribution centers nationally serving more than 25,000 customers throughout the United States.