Gary Askins Named 2004 Victor Reinz Machinist of the Year

Arbor, Michigan -- Apr 26, 2004 -- Victor Reinz is proud to announce that Gary Askins has been named this year’s Victor Reinz Machinist of the Year.

A machinist for more then 23 years, Askins currently works as the shop foreman for Spa Automotive Supply and has been a vital part of their machine shop throughout his career. His early beginnings as a machinist stemmed from helping his grandfather who owned a welding shop in his hometown and through his involvement in vocational training classes offered in high school.

“I fell in love with metal work, especially lathe work, during my VOTEC classes in high school,“ stated Askins. “I gravitated to the machine shop and enjoyed the project work, particularly repairing parts and tools that the automotive shop students broke and making them useful for them again.”

Askins’ experience as a student in his high school’s VOTEC program remains a driving force for him today, as he serves as a mentor for many automotive and machining students in his area through the very program that propelled him in his career.

“I feel that my involvement with the VOTEC program is among one of my greatest accomplishments,” said Askins. “Just knowing that in some way I may be responsible for planting a seed of knowledge in students starting their career or helping students by offering them an internship, allows me to pass along what I have learned to future generations.”

“When I learned that Gary had been selected as this year’s Victor Reinz Machinist of the Year, I felt that it was conclusive of what he does here at Spa Automotive Supply every day and every year,” said Brian Pisarski, owner of Spa Automotive Supply.

The judges stated that Askins’ outstanding work history and letters of recommendation that were included with his application, along with his involvement in his local VOTEC program, made him the clear choice for this year’s award. Upon hearing of his selection, Askins thanked Clevite Engine Parts for its recognition. “It is amazing to be part of this fine brotherhood of machinists,” stated Askins. “Receiving this prestigious award has made the long haul of my career and what I have achieved worth it. Thank you to Clevite Engine Parts for this outstanding honor.”

Along with the AERA and the ASE, Clevite Engine Parts established the Victor Reinz Machinist of the Year Award in order to recognize the valuable contributions machinists make to the automotive rebuilding industry. This year’s award was presented at the AERA New Products Showcase in Las Vegas, Nev. on April 23, 2004.

To be eligible for the award, a machinist needs to be a full-time employee of a machine shop specializing in either automotive or heavy-duty engine work. The machinist also needs to be ASE certified in one of three specialist classifications – Cylinder Head Specialist, Cylinder Block Specialist or Engine Assembly Specialist. The judges then take into consideration the applicants’ special machining skills and training along with their level of community involvement and their ability to represent the industry in a positive manner.

The Victor Reinz Machinist of the Year Award consists of an all-expense paid trip to the AERA Showcase, $500 in spending money, a custom Victor Reinz jacket and a commemorative plaque. Information on the Machinist of the Year Award can be found on the Clevite Engine Parts web site at www.engineparts.com.

Clevite Engine Parts is a part of Dana Corporation’s Automotive Aftermarket Group. Clevite Engine Parts provides a wide scope of under-the-hood products for the global replacement parts market, including Clevite 77® engine bearings, Victor Reinz gaskets, Perfect Circle® piston rings and Clevite engine parts®. In addition, Clevite 77, Victor Reinz and Perfect Circle are exclusive NASCAR Performance Products. Clevite’s Internet address is www.engineparts.com.

Dana Corporation is a global leader in the design, engineering, and manufacture of value-added products and systems for automotive, commercial, and off-highway vehicles. Delivering on a century of innovation, the company’s continuing operations employ approximately 45,000 people worldwide dedicated to advancing the science of mobility. Founded in 1904 and based in Toledo, Ohio, Dana operates technology, manufacturing, and customer-service facilities in 30 countries. Sales from continuing operations totaled $7.9 billion in 2003.