April 2009, Fleet Financials - Feature
5 Nominees Compete for 2009 Fleet Executive of the Year
An exceptional field of fleet executives vies for the 2009 Fleet Executive of the Year Award. This year’s award will be presented April 26 at the NAFA Institute & Expo in New Orleans.
By Staff
ANTON
Gary Anton
Company: Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW)
Title: Vice President, Strategic Sourcing
Total Vehicles: 10,800 (3,800 U.S.; 7,000 global)
Staff Supervised: 25
Years in Fleet: 9
Replacement Policy: 3 years/70,000 miles
Anton is responsible for negotiating and maintaining optimal relationship agreements with ITW fleet management providers. He oversees a U.S. fleet of more than 3,800 vehicles as well as a global fleet of more than 7,000 vehicles.
ITW has standardized fleet management controls across its global fleet operations. Over the past year, Anton worked with the ITW fleet team and fleet management provider to reduce operational costs. They identified areas of opportunity by negotiating and implementing manufacturer and vendor programs that offer incentives, maintenance and fuel rebates, and a comprehensive accident management program. These programs have allowed ITW to realize a savings of more than $4 million, including $1.25 million in operating cost savings and $500,000 in accident management program savings.
Changes in vehicle selectors were also implemented. Vehicle choices permit ITW to reduce fuel costs and carbon reduction to better support fleet's green initiatives. Selector changes are projected to reduce costs by nearly $250,000. Over a three-year cycle, ITW estimates it will save more than $1.2 million in fuel costs and reduce its carbon footprint by more than 12 million pounds.