Sea-Dog Line and Uflex USA are the winners of the 2012 National Marine Distributors Association (NMDA) Supplier of the Year Awards. The awards were announced at a July 18th luncheon  during the NMDA’s annual Sales, Training, Education & Purchasing (S.T.E.P.) Conference in Rosemont, IL.

Sea-Dog Line won for the eighth year in a row in the Platinum category. The Everett, Washington-based company is a leading supplier of over 5,500 marine dock, deck and rigging hardware items, 12-volt electrical/lighting and ventilation accessories. Runners-Up in this category were Blue Sea Systems (1st) and Tie Down Engineering (2nd).

Uflex USA is the winner in the Gold category. Uflex USA won in 2007 and again in 2010. Established in 1935 as a flexible metal hose producer, Uflex has grown to lead the design, development, and manufacturing of the Marine Steering and Control Systems. Located in Sarasota Florida the company provides both OEM and aftermarket parts to the industry. Runners-Up in this category were Pro Mariner (1st) and Gold Eagle Company (2nd).

Special Focus awards were also presented to Blue Sea Systems for Best All Around Packaging and Supply Chain Efficiency. Sea-Dog Line won for Marketing Philosophy. These awards are scored by adding together the categories that are appropriate and are awarded to the company who scored the highest, regardless of whether they were in the Platinum or Gold category.

The wholesale distributor members of NMDA have voted annually since 1972 to recognize their top suppliers for overall excellence in supply chain management, marketing, packaging & shipping and customer service.

NMDA is the leading trade association for US and Canadian marine products distributors. Members include major distributors, many leading product manufacturers and manufacturers representatives. For more information, visit www.nmdaonline.com