If you haven’t heard by now, Jasper Engines and Transmissions is 100% Associate owned.  Before any of us were aware of the changes to come, we the Associates were invited to a morning meeting at the convention center across the street.  You could see the puzzled and perplexed expressions in anticipation of this secretive gathering.  As we sat down, it was obvious something significant was about to happen.  It was on that March morning we found out that we, as a collective group, are part of something much larger.

To celebrate this change in JASPER’s ownership, a coin was designed and presented to all Associates to commemorate this huge milestone in our company’s history.  The issued commemorative coin features: the JASPER logo, founding date, legacy statement, mission statement and our five corporate principles.

Jasper Engines and Transmissions implemented a six-month fitness plan at its Jasper, IN facility and awarded more than $8,000 to Associates who reached their goals.

Of the 210 JASPER Associates who participated in the inaugural Fitness Experts program, 80% completed the program successfully, with over 40% achieving their individual fitness goals.  The results from the six-month trial period were phenomenal.  Participants successfully lost weight, reduced cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure.  Some Associates improved their health to a level in which they were able to discontinue medications.

JASPER ultimately benefits from the program by saving money on reduced future health care costs. Due to its success and popularity, the Fitness Experts program is now offered to all JASPER locations.

It’s our third and final day here at the 11th Annual Dupont Syracuse Nationals.  The sky is clear with a breeze out of the northwest - perfect weather for a car show.  There are over 7,000 cars at this year’s event with activities including: tech seminars, JEEP’s Rocks & Road Tour (driving course), a burnout and flamethrower show and musical performances, to name a few.

Dick and Carol Fracasse displayed their ‘68 Ford Mustang Fastback next to our ‘66 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray the first two days of the event.  The Fracasse’s chose JASPER to remanufacture their 347 Stroker engine and by the stories we’ve heard, its performance exceeds their expectations.  We had a great time the past couple of days visiting with people from all around the country and Canada.  If you’re in the area you should really stop in for a visit.

Question for comments:  Corvette or Mustang, which would you prefer to see at our display?

Check our blog next Friday for the answer and another Friddle.

Last Week’s Friddle: On this day in 1992, Chevrolet produced its one-millionth unit of what model?

Last Week’s Friddle Answer: Corvette

Do you own a 2007-2009 Dodge/Chrysler with transmission problems? If so, we now offer the Chrysler 62TE transmission.  The 62TE can be found in the following vehicles: Pacifica, Sebring, Town & Country, Avenger, Grand Caravan and Journey. 

Through research and development, JASPER offers solutions to correct original design failures and with this transmission, it is no different.  The OEM designed metal sealing rings on the 62TE pump are replaced with solid Teflon rings to eliminate pump cross leaks.  Second and forth gear loss is also a common concern with this transmission.  Therefore, JASPER replaces every 2-4 clutch retaining snap ring with one of a heavier design, which prevents flexing and possible blowout.  Last but not least, every 62TE will receive a new cooler bypass valve to eliminate any chance of cooler system contamination or failure.

The 62TE is covered by JASPER’s 3-Year/100,000 mile nationwide transferable parts and labor warranty.

Check our blog next Friday for the answer and another Friddle.

Last Week’s Friddle: In what year did the Japanese company Tsukuba Mechanical Engineering build the first autonomous, driverless, vehicle?

Last Week’s Friddle Answer: 1955

After an adventurous 450+ mile motorcycle ride, Factory Sales Representative Ron Klemm and his Pittsburgh Branch customers stepped off of their bikes for a factory tour last Friday. Harley Davidsons, Hondas, Yamahas and even a lone Buell grazed the parking lot on that humid summer morning. Guests were given a guided tour of all remanufacturing processes at our air-conditioned Crawford County and Jasper facilities. They participated in a scenic Poker Run with JASPER Associates and finished the day with a cookout at the JASPER go-kart track. Here at JASPER, we know how to “Do It Right and Have Fun!”