Jasper Events

 

Left to right: Craig Leuck accepted an opportunity with the Jasper Production System team. Sara Schmidt succeeded Craig in leading the Jasper Transmission Division. Shari Gress has been named Production Control Division Manager.

Jasper Engines & Transmissions is pleased to announce the following changes to its leadership team and Management Staff.

After 17 years of leading the Jasper Transmission Division, Craig Leuck has accepted a new opportunity with the Jasper Production System (JPS) team. Craig’s primary responsibilities are supporting workshop and event teams, as well as teaching and supporting Continuous Improvement activities throughout the company. Craig began his career with JASPER 19 years ago, spending two years in Facility Maintenance prior to joining the Transmission Division. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to join our Jasper
Production System team,” said Leuck. “This change allows me to further my knowledge of our overall production system, as well as be able to support our Associates and drive improvement throughout our organization.”

Sara Schmidt has been named the new Transmission Division Manager at the Jasper, Indiana, facility. Sara began her career with JASPER eight years ago working in People Services. Sara has worked in the Crawford Transmission Division, Transmission Division Manager at Willow Springs, Missouri, DOJO Manager, and most recently, Division Manager of Jasper Certified Components.

“I am both honored and excited to join the transmission team as we continue building upon its long standing reputation of remanufacturing high-quality products,” said Schmidt. “As JASPER continues on its journey to be the Brand of Choice to our customers, and the Company of Choice to our current and future Associate-Owners, we look for leaders with cross-functional experiences willing to develop processes, develop people and lead change,” said John Schroeder, JASPER Vice President of Drivetrain Remanufacturing. “Both Craig and Sara have proven track records of success and we are confident they will do well in their new roles.

”In addition, Shari Gress has been named Production Control Division Manager. Shari joined JASPER as an auditor, served on the implementation team and eventually became Operations Manager of Jasper Innovative Solutions. She most recently served as Assistant Manager of Production Control. As Manager, Shari will oversee product scheduling, conveyance, part/core procurement and internal parts stores.

 

JASPER’s Rolling Showcase will make at least eight appearances at high-profile car shows and performance events from April through October.

Jasper Engines & Transmissions will be on the road for 2014 celebrating over 70 years of business in the automotive remanufacturing industry.

As a way to better educate the public on our remanufacturing capabilities, JASPER has updated its mobile marketing rig, appropriately named the “JASPER Rolling Showcase.” The “Showcase” will make at least eight appearances at high-profile car shows and performance events from April through October.

This year, the JASPER Rolling Showcase will include two new flat screen monitors with interactive media, several product displays, including components from the Gas Engine, Transmission, Performance and Authentic Custom Drivetrain divisions. JASPER Associates are on hand at each event, so visitors can walk up and ask about our remanufacturing processes.

What began as one man’s insight has evolved into the largest mass remanufacturer in the world with an ongoing commitment to quality.

JASPER’s Mission Statement is simple: “Do It Right... And Have Fun!” For over 70 years, JASPER has been committed to being a leading force in the automotive industry.

April 3-6  Charlotte, NC (Charlotte Spring Auto Fair and Swap Meet)
April 23-27  Carlisle, PA (Spring Carlisle Collector Car Swap Meet and Corral)
June 21-23  St. Paul, MN (MSRA Back to The 50s)
August 1-4  Louisville, KY (NSRA Nationals)
August 23-25  Evansville, IN (Frog Follies)
September 6-7  Pigeon Forge, TN (Shades of the Past)
October 1-5  Carlisle, PA (Fall Carlisle Collector Car Swap Meet and Corral)
October 10-12  Biloxi, MS (Cruisin’ The Coast)

Matt Kenseth was the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Runner-up. Kyle Busch was fourth in the final point standings.  Clint Bowyer and Joey Logano finished the season seventh and eighth in points, respectively. What did these four drivers have in common throughout the season? Their cars were equipped with products from the JASPER Driveline Division.

Sprint Cup Series cars equipped with JASPER products accounted for 17 Wins in 2013, 79 top-five finishes, 139 top-ten finishes, and earned 15 pole position starts. “Everyone was very satisfied with our products in 2013,” says Terry DeKemper, JASPER Driveline Division Manager. “We had no issues with any of our components last year and we’re definitely looking forward to 2014.”

The new season preparation has left the division little time to reflect on 2013’s success. Joe Gibbs Racing drivers Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch and Matt Kenseth will once again have their cars equipped with the JASPER traditional three-rail 4-Speed Transmission. Michael Waltrip Racing drivers Clint Boyer and Brian Vickers will use JASPER’s single-rail version of the 4-Speed. This style of gearbox allows a single external rail to rotate and move two internal forks to engage the four forward gears. “This allows for fewer moving parts outside of the case,” said DeKemper, “and there’s about a pound difference in weight.”

Penske Racing teammates, Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano, will have their Sprint Cup Series cars equipped with a JASPER Differential for 2014. “We have various models and designs of differentials, whether a cast iron case or lightweight case is called for,” said DeKemper. “We’re working on a new locker and a new differential pump, and both are seeing a lot of testing right now.”

In preparation for 2014, the JASPER Driveline Division has worked with teams on different gear setups in reaction to rule changes on car height. “The removal of bump stops (devices used to stop a car’s suspension travel) will result in faster speeds,” DeKemper said. “Teams will have to change the gearing on their cars. We’re looking at the gears we have in stock for teams, and we try to predict where things could go during the season.”

Though the lineup of teams using JASPER products has remained the same the past few seasons, the Driveline Division found success with leasing components to other teams in 2013. “The top caliber teams can afford purchasing new and maintaining their own equipment, while intermediate teams would prefer to lease at this time,” said DeKemper. “We see this as a continuing trend, and we see a growing market for us at this time.”

Look for Chad Morgenthaler's JASPER-Sponsored rig at any of the upcoming 2014 Bassmaster Series events near you.

JASPER-Sponsored professional angler Chad Morgenthaler will compete in the Bassmaster Elite Series throughout 2014. Chad finished seventh in the 2013 Bassmaster Southern Opens division standings, which earned him an invitation to fish in the Elite division this year. Chad was last a regular on the Bassmaster Tour in 2005, a year before the Elite Series was formed.

Bassmaster Elite Series 2014 Schedule
• February 21-23, Bassmaster Classic, Birmingham, AL; Lake Guntersville
• March 13-16, Elite 1 Bainbridge, GA; Lake Seminole
• March 20-23, Elite 2 Palatka, FL; St. Johns River
• April 3-6, Elite 3 Branson, MO; Table Rock Lake
• May 1-4, Elite 4 Many, LA; Toledo Bend Reservoir
• May 15-18, Elite 5 Russellville, AR; Lake Dardanelle
• June 11-15, Elite 6 BASSfest Dayton, TN; Chickamauga Lake
• August 7-10, Elite 7 Philadelphia, PA; Delaware River
• August 21-24, Elite 8 Ithaca, NY; Cayuga Lake
• Sept.18-21, AOY Championship TBD

Bassmaster Southern Opens 2014 Schedule
• January 23-25, St. Cloud, FL; Lake Toho Kissimmee
• March 6-8, Jasper, AL; Smith Lake
• October 2-4, Huntersville, NC; Lake Norman

Thank you! You have come through again! We had lots of great entries submitted throughout 2013, the winning photographs were selected and the calendar design process began.

Entries received throughout 2013 were judged on adherence to the category, equipment appearance and the quality of the photograph or image.

We would like to acknowledge the 2014 JASPER calendar winners:

Bob & Pattie Drennan
Sonora, CA
1951 Ford Victoria

Brian Schultz
Manheim, PA
1950 Chevy 3100

Chris Butler
Northglenn, CO
1991 Chevy 1500

Chuck Wanamaker
Mahwah, NJ
1940 Ford Coupe

Jyntre Stroud
Collins, MS
1967 Chevy Camaro RS

Noel Clemmer
Lake Lynn, PA
1947 Ford COE Truck

Rick Howell
Lynwood, IL
1947 Ford Super Deluxe

Rosie & Al Cool
Smithsburg, MD
1968 Chevy Camaro

Tom & Jack Breiding
McMurray, PA
1970 Chevy Chevelle Malibu

WC Radford
Beaumont, TX
1978 Pontiac Firebird

Jennifer Hill
Racine, OH
1956 Ford Thunderbird

James Neisler
Jackson, TN
1966 Chevy Corvette

Gregg & Becki Russell
Austin, TX
1950 Chevy 3100

Every qualified entrant received a JASPER hat. Entrants whose work appears in the calendar receive a $100 gift certificate, which can be used to purchase JASPER remanufactured products or wearable items, 24 complimentary calendars and a special JASPER Gift Package.

Congratulations to all our winners!

Mr. & Mrs. Claus made their rounds spreading Christmas cheer among JASPER Associates today! It's been a JASPER tradition for Mr. and Mrs. Claus to make their way through JASPER facilities ringing bells, handing out candy canes and spreading Christmas cheer! And this year was no different, it's amazing how a simple "Ho-Ho-Ho" can make so many people smile. We would like to thank the Claus' for spending their morning spreading laughter and Christmas Spirit throughout the walls of JASPER. Another JASPER Christmas tradition is the Giving Tree Christmas Wish Drive, which delivers joy to the community's kids in need. JASPER Associates shopped for toys, bicycles and clothing for families to pick up December 13th. Each year, it's a great way to inspire others and bring hope to kids in need at Christmas. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from your friends at JASPER!    

Picture courtesy of James Overstreet with B.A.S.S. Jasper Engines and Transmissions Pro Angler, Chad Morgenthaler, almost passed up his opportunity for a “Golden Ticket” to fish the 2014 Bassmaster Classic. He debated the merits of fishing the Bassmaster Classic Wild Card on Lake Okeechobee in Florida, until he finally decided to make the commitment with one day to spare. Good thing. Chad won the tournament with 15 fish and a total of 63 pounds, 13 ounces. This was Chad’s first win on the Bassmaster Tournament Trail and it also secured his opportunity to fish in the 2014 Bassmaster Classic, his fourth Classic. Chad’s indecision came from the existing financial commitment he had made to the Elite Series for 2014. In the end, he called sponsor, Jasper Engines and Transmissions, who agreed to pay his entry fee. “We have a great relationship with Chad and place a good deal of faith in his abilities and decision making”, said Tom Schrader, VP of Marketing and Strategic Development for JASPER. “We didn’t have to think too hard about paying Chad’s fee when we received the call”, he added. Chad is, as one can imagine, on “Cloud 9” after his win and has been busy answering congratulatory calls, emails and Facebook postings. “The whole situation is still, to this day, so surreal. I just can’t believe that it fell together the way that it did", he said. “I always thought my first win would come on Lake Okeechobee and for it to be coupled with a berth in the Classic made it even more special. Without JASPER’s help, simply going to the event would not have been possible for me. This win is as much for them as it is for me”, he added.

At the Jasper facility, Amelia Ebert sorted the donated food for distribution among various food banks. During the week of October 21-25 Associates from the Jasper, Crawford and Willow Springs facilities participated in the "Let's Drive for a Ton" food drive to benefit various food banks in all three areas. The food drive, which occurred in conjunction with "National Make A Difference Day" had a very simple goal... collect a ton (2,000 pounds) of non-perishable food items. The generosity of our Associates shined through as we collected 2,057 pounds of food! Each food bank was very appreciative and thankful for our donation. Congratulations to all who participated and for showing the true JASPER spirit of giving!

JASPER's CEO, Doug Bawel with ESGR's Steve Lynch and Jerry Clewlow. As part of JASPER's Veterans Day luncheon held on November 11th, representatives of the Indiana Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) were on hand for a special signing ceremony to re-affirm JASPER's commitment to the ESGR. The ESGR is an organization dedicated to helping Veterans obtain employment after they leave the military. JASPER currently employs 179 Associates who serve, or have served in the military.... that's 10% of our workforce! According to the ESGR, the average company's workforce includes only 1% Veterans. A big thanks to all of our Veterans for not only your service to JASPER, but more importantly, your service to our country!