MasterCraft Named Manufacturer of the Year Feb 19, 2008 East Tennessee APICS announced last week that MasterCraft Boat Company is the East Tennessee APICS Manufacturer of the Year for 2007. MasterCraft's "lean manufacturing" implementation is the best in the region and provides superior product quality and customer service to their dealers, according to a release the company distributed. Mastercraft says it is holding the region to a higher standard in manufacturing excellence. “We are delighted to receive this kind of recognition,” said John Fausch, MasterCraft’s Vice President of Operations. “MasterCraft has aggressively implemented lean manufacturing principles and processes throughout all of its manufacturing operations. This is our key to success in delivering our customer the highest-quality, premium boats in a very competitive market.” Richie Anderson, MasterCraft’s Senior Manufacturing Manager is quoted as saying, “This award and level of achievement is a credit to the factory employees. Our employees are all about continuous improvement in the manufacturing process and they have adopted a culture that sustains best-in-class manufacturing and operational excellence.” Anderson stated further, “We are proud of this recognition as it reflects a shared commitment in building the best boats in the marine industry.” Awards will be given at the Feb. 25th, 2008 professional development meeting in Knoxville, Tennessee.