Monro Names Valvoline Vendor of the Year

Valvoline has been named Vendor of the Year by the Monro Muffler Brake automotive service chain. Monro owns 600 stores in more than 18 states, operating under the Monro Muffler Brake and Service, Speedy Auto Service by Monro, Kimmel Tires-Auto Service, Tread Quarters Discount Tires and Mr. Tire brands. Valvoline has been principal lubricants and filter supplier to the Rochester, N.Y.-based chain since late 2002.

LEXINGTON, KY — Valvoline has been named Vendor of the Year by the Monro Muffler Brake automotive service chain.

Monro owns 600 stores in more than 18 states, operating under the Monro Muffler Brake and Service, Speedy Auto Service by Monro, Kimmel Tires-Auto Service, Tread Quarters Discount Tires and Mr. Tire brands. Valvoline has been principal lubricants and filter supplier to the Rochester, N.Y.-based chain since late 2002.

“We entered the relationship with Monro with three objectives: increase average ticket price, increase car count and increase customer loyalty on their oil change business,” said Valvoline Vice President of Distributor Sales Robert Craycraft. “We delivered what we promised.”

Best known for its motor oils, Valvoline, a division of Ashland Inc., produces and distributes a variety of branded automotive and industrial products and services.

“The Valvoline organization played an important role in our sales and traffic growth during 2003,” said Monro Vice President of Merchandising Dave Baier. “We look forward to many more years of mutual success as we work with Valvoline to service our growing customer base.”

To learn more about Ashland, visit the company’s Web site: www.ashland.com.

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