The Crawford County DOJO includes an office and training room, along with space for engine and transmission training that is separate from production areas.

“Building Better Associates through a Unique Learning Experience!” This is the mission statement of the JASPER DOJO at the Crawford County facility. Although it’s been operational for over three years, the DOJO has moved to a new location, within the facility, to better serve our customers and our Associates.

The DOJO is an off-line learning center designed to provide new, and existing, Associates the opportunity to learn not only about their job, but also the skills necessary to STRIVE and THRIVE in the JASPER culture. It’s based on a Japanese dojo room, or hall, where judo or other martial arts are practiced.

In addition, the DOJO is used for specialized quality training, as well as re-certification training. Associates learn a process in a one-on-one environment, away from the distractions of the production area. Associates follow a standard curriculum. Because the training is one-on-one, JASPER can provide a specialized learning experience specific to an individual’s needs.

Not only does this location allow JASPER to have both the engine and transmission DOJOs side by side, but a training room has been added. The new facilities have allowed JASPER to improve the learning environment and provide better training in the following areas:

• Hands-on Gauging Training at individual gauge stations.
• Offering book reviews on four different books.
• In-depth safety training.
• Computer Training, utilizing our new wireless system.
• Common warranty issues and ways to prevent them.
• Owner Maintenance Program.

As in any classroom, Associates are given homework, pop quizzes and in-house field trips to better enhance the learning experience.

Once an Associate completes the course, they can proudly say, “I Got My MOJO in The DOJO.”

Once again, this Holiday Season, JASPER has jam-packed the December calendar with activities to bring Christmas cheer upon its Associates and local community.

Last Friday, JASPER kicked off the Christmas Season with the inaugural lighting of its Nativity scene. Every year JASPER Associates volunteer to set up the lights and life-size Nativity, built by Associates, on the front lawn of our corporate headquarters. It has been a company tradition since 1994.

Tomorrow, as part of our Christmas Celebration, our local movie theatre has been reserved, exclusively, for JASPER Associates and their immediate families. Associates, spouse/guest and children are invited to “Movie Morning”, with complimentary popcorn and drinks. Santa Claus will also be present to visit with the children before the movies begin.

A trusted source has informed us that Santa will be checking his lists, by phone, with the kiddos of JASPER Associates during “Santa Call Night” next week.

Next Wednesday, JASPER Associates will be treated to a catered Christmas luncheon, where cash prizes will be given away. The following week, Associates are encouraged to participate in “Food Day,” an event in which JASPER Associates share their culinary skills with fellow Associates.

JASPER and its Associates also participate in the Giving Tree. This program provides children in need, ages 12 and under, with clothing and toys. JASPER Associates can select a gift tag, which provides the child’s gender, age and wish list. Our Associates purchase and wrap the gifts for distribution on December 15^th. JASPER also donates a Walmart gift card to the family of each child in the program.

We hope you take time to enjoy the holidays with family and friends. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

While on a recent stay at the nearby French Lick Springs Resort, members of the Team Tiger Car Club made the 25-mile drive to tour the Jasper Facility.  Over 20 of the little British-made cars were on display in the grass along US Hwy 231.

Most of the cars that made the trip were Sunbeam Tigers, a two-seat convertible powered by a V8 small-block Ford.  These cars were popular in the United States during the 1960’s.

Second best was good enough for the championship at the sixth annual Chad Morgenthaler Fishing Tournament to Benefit Special Olympics, July 30th, on Rend Lake in Illinois.

Joe Bullock and Clint Joiner, both of Benton, Illinois, tipped the scales with 16.83 pounds. That was good enough to beat everyone but Morgenthaler and his partner, fellow professional, Dave Mansue with 16.99 pounds. A tournament record 93 boats were entered.

Morgenthaler and his fellow pros don’t compete for the tourney title. Instead, local anglers could enter a side “Beat the Pros” competition. This is the first time in the six years of the tournament Morgenthaler and his partner topped the field.

“I’d be lying to you if I said it wasn’t fun to do it once,” Morgenthaler said. “You always want to weigh in some fish, that’s just the competitive spirit. Trust me, in the last six years I’ve taken my share of ribbing from my friends.”

The team of Danny Schipkowski and Steve Tucker earned the big bass honors with a 5.07 pound fish.

Jeff Henson, director of special events for Special Olympics Illinois, said the tournament is expected to net $30 - $35,000 for Special Olympics. The “Beat the Pros” contest netted an additional $1,200. “The first five years of the tournament has raised more than $133,000,” Henson said.

There are more than 27,000 Special Olympians in Illinois. “They train free of charge all year round because of events like these,” Henson said.

Our last Rolling Showcase appearance of the year brings us to the Texas Motor Speedway for this weekend’s 19th Lone Star Nationals presented by Goodguys Rod & Custom Association.

If you plan on attending this show, stop by our exhibit for the latest JASPER product literature and on-line pricing. Darren and Brian from our Performance Division will be available to answer your drivetrain component questions and be sure to ask them about our special show pricing on select engines and transmissions.

This year’s show offers a variety of unique automotive activities in addition to the 1500+ Rods, Customs, and Classics thru ‘72. Challenge your driving skills, while testing your vehicle’s handling in the Goodguys Autocross. Check out the vendor and manufacturing exhibits, or search for those hard-to-find parts at the swap meet. There will also be live music and a special track cruise. For more information and a complete schedule of events visit: http://www.lonestarnats.com/lsn/

See you there!

JET Transit is proud to announce that one of its Over-The-Road drivers was recently recognized by the Indiana Motor Truck Association (IMTA) as a Master Truck Driver.

Gary Witte received his award from the President of IMTA, Gary Langston. Witte has been with JET Transit since 09/14/1987, and was recently honored for achieving 1,000,000 miles of accident-free driving.

The Indiana Motor Truck Association awards the professional certification of Master Truck Driver to drivers of commercial motor vehicles who meet high standards for educational achievement, professional conduct and accident-free driving.

The Master Truck Driver Award qualifications include an accident-free driving record for one million miles or ten years, no traffic citations within the past three years, and a record of community service or continuing professional education. It is estimated that less than 2% of the nation’s drivers will ever qualify for this award.

JET Transit now has ten drivers with Master Truck Driver certification. Congratulations to Gary on his acceptance into this very prestigious group.

Bull riding action from the Round Town Bull Bash. There’s probably a good reason why the rider is wearing a helmet!

The 2011 Round Town Bull Bash, sponsored by the Gabriel Cattle Company, Don Casey Inc., & Jasper Engines & Transmissions, was held in February at the Pickaway County fairgrounds in Circleville, Ohio.

There were a total of ten events in which riders competed for points & money. Each event drew at least 30 riders. Each event was attended by at least 900 people who saw some of the best bull riding in Ohio. Bull riders came from Ohio, Texas, New York and Wyoming.

The Bulls were the highlight of the show. Several of which have been seen on nationally-televised PBR competitions across the country. The event was sanctioned by the SEBRA (Southern Extreme Bull Riders Association) Which enabled the riders to gain points for prizes up to $50,000 in other events across the country.

Round Town Bull Bash winner, Ralph Hobson, poses with JASPER Columbus Branch Manager Dane Patterson (left), along with JASPER installer, and event co-sponsor, Don Casey (right).

The winner of the Round Town Bull Bash was Ralph Hobson. Ralph was successful in having over a 90% riding average. The grand prize was a Jasper Engines & Transmissions custom embroidered jacket, along with an additional $10,000.00 in prize money. Second place went to Brandon Davis, who followed right behind Ralph with an 85% riding average. He took home a shot gun and $8,000.00 in prize money.

Our Rolling Showcase is here in Pigeon Forge, TN for Shades of Past - Hot Rod Run #29.  There are 2800+ Hot Rods, Customs and Classics thru 1972. The weather has improved and hot rod enthusiasts from all over the country are packing the parking lots. Performance and Authentic Managers are here to answer your drivetrain questions. If you plan to attend this show, stop by the JASPER display and save several hundreds on select engine and transmission show specials.

JASPER customers from the New Jersey branch pose in Victory Lane with east coast racing legend Billy Pauch following his Dirt Modified feature win at New Egypt Speedway.

Jasper Engines & Transmissions hosted an evening of fun and racing July 9^th at the New Egypt Speedway, a first-class dirt track facility in New Jersey, southeast of Trenton. The barbeque and event-filled night was well attended by many of our area shops.

The track has a two-seat Modified racecar that turns laps at race speed, with a willing participant in the passenger seat. One of the lucky riders was Aaron Kollmar of No Excuses, Inc., who found the experience exhilarating. Victor Lugo of Signature Automotive was the other thrilled passenger on the wild ride.

Two lucky JASPER customers won the opportunity to wave the green flag to start feature races. Todd Boston, fleet manager of Pittsgrove Township waved the green to start the 20 lap Sprint Car feature. He spent all 20 laps in the starter’s stand breathing in the dirt and witnessing the action from a unique perspective. Mike Somogy of ERJ Auto Repair was the starter for the Sportsman Modified feature. He was pressed into action twice, as an early caution provided the chance to throw the green on a restart.

All customers and JASPER sales representatives who were so inclined, were ushered into Victory Lane after each feature to have pictures taken with the winning driver, his car, and the trophy girls.

Many in the group took a tour of the pit area, meeting several drivers from all divisions. They asked questions and saw the cars up close and personal. They also found out how hectic the pits are on race day. There was even an air conditioned luxury suite at our disposal.

Jasper Engines and Transmissions has completed its 41,488 square foot expansion to the Crawford County Facility.

September 8, 2010, was when ground was broken on the project. It took approximately eight months to complete, and has effectively increased the size of the Crawford County facility to over 408,000 square feet under roof.

The expansion allows the space needed to merge Jasper Innovative Solutions with the company’s Distribution operations for a more efficient flow of finished product, along with allowing both companies to grow.

“Moving into this new area allows us to expand our presence in the market,” says Luke Bawel, Jasper Innovative Solutions General Manager. “Before, we were limited to the amount of commercial fleets we could take on due to the availability of space for those products. Now we have the space to not only take on those customers, but this also allows us to add additional part lines to better service our customers.

JIS currently has over 12,000 part numbers in stock. With the new expansion, Bawel anticipates the ability to store over 20,000 part numbers, depending on the quantity of each part. This includes components from the recently acquired Canam Marketing Corporation. Canam’s inventory will be moved from their Milwaukee, Wisconsin, distribution center to Crawford County. “We’re bringing on 900 additional product lines with the purchase of Canam, and we still have the capacity to service more fleets,” added Bawel.

Not only does the expansion give JIS the opportunity to fill all orders under one roof, but keeps them involved in new product development. “We feel we have a great advantage when it comes to producing quality products at JASPER, says Bawel. “It’s going to allow us to better suit the customer’s needs and get a hand in production because that is what JASPER excels in.”

The Crawford County facility is located approximately 40 miles east of Jasper, Indiana. Originally constructed in 1998 for the purpose of core processing, the Crawford County facility has evolved into a complete remanufacturing operation in the disassembly, machining, assembly and testing of gas engines, transmissions, transfer cases and select manual transmissions.

JASPER’s Product Distribution Center opened at Crawford County in 2000. Nearly 600 JASPER remanufactured products are shipped from the Distribution Center each day to a network of 40 branch locations throughout the United States. The Distribution Center is also the primary location for the unloading, tagging and identification of core and miscellaneous product from the branch locations.

Jasper Innovative Solutions, a sister company to JASPER, moved to the Crawford County facility in 2008. JIS is a supplier of vehicle parts to the United States Postal Service Vehicle Maintenance Facilities and other fleets throughout the United States.