Bell Atlantic recognizes Keptel Corporation with its 1996 Supplier Quality Excellence Award

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - Keptel Corporation of Tinton Falls, New Jersey, a division of ANTEC Corporation, has won the Bell Atlantic 1996 Supplier Quality Excellence Award. The Bell Atlantic Supplier Recognition Program (SRP) was introduced earlier this year to annually recognize strategic suppliers for outstanding performance over the previous 12 months.

During a ceremony at Keptel's New Jersey research and design facility Bell Atlantic Vice Chairman, Lawrence T. Babbio, Jr., presented the award to David Stehlin, President of Keptel.

Keptel Corporation produces network interface and outside plant interconnection devices for the telecommunications industry and employs more than 700 people in New Jersey, El Paso, Texas, and Juarez, Mexico.

"Bell Atlantic created this award to recognize our suppliers that consistently deliver excellent service and products," said Babbio. "The winners of this award provide great service to Bell Atlantic by meeting deadlines and delivering on their promise. Like Bell Atlantic, they set very high standards, strive for continuous improvement, and demonstrate a commitment to customer satisfaction."

Keptel was one of three suppliers chosen, out of more than 4500 that do business with Bell Atlantic, to receive the 1996 Supplier Quality Excellence Award.

"The competition was tight," said Babbio. "Keptel supplies Bell Atlantic with more than 90 types of products that help us to meet the demands of our customers. And they do it better than any other supplier in their category."

"This is a great honor for Keptel," said Stehlin. "Bell Atlantic is Keptel's largest customer. To be recognized as one of their top suppliers reinforces our emphasis on customer service, product quality and delivery. I'm extremely pleased to accept this award on behalf of all of our employees."

Bell Atlantic plans to present Supplier Quality Excellence Awards to its other two 1996 recipients within the next few weeks.

Bell Atlantic Corporation (NYSE: BEL) is at the forefront of the new communications, entertainment and information industry. In the mid-Atlantic region, the company is the premier provider of local telecommunications and advanced services. Globally, it is one of the largest investors in the high-growth wireless communication marketplace. Bell Atlantic also owns a substantial interest in Telecom Corporation of New Zealand and is actively developing high-growth national and international business opportunities in all phases of the industry.