For the second year running, General Motors named Heller Machine Tools (Troy, MI) its 2017 Supplier of the Year within the category of indirect material and machinery. GM recognized 132 of its best suppliers from 17 countries during its 26th annual Supplier of the Year awards in Orlando, FL.
These suppliers consistently exceeded GM’s expectations, created outstanding value, or brought innovations to the company. The announcement represented the most suppliers GM has recognized since debuting the Supplier of the Year event in 1992.
Heller received the award for its RFK and DRZ ranges of crankshaft milling/turning machinery, engineering, and applications which are being used by GM in many global manufacturing plants. Since the machines were installed in its plants, GM has seen significant reductions in crankshaft production costs along with improved accuracy and reliability, all of which contributed to Heller receiving this award. It was the only metal-cutting machine tool company chosen for an award this year.
“GM has been very supportive of our company and we are honored yet again to win this award,” noted Wolfgang Maerker, vice president of the Heller Crankshaft Division.
The General Motors event was attended by more than 600 GM and supplier company executives and their guests. The automaker has more than 20,000 suppliers globally and, this year, only 132 of them were presented with awards within 11 different categories. The requirements for the awards have a major focus on quality, innovation, delivery, performance, safety, commercials, and customer support.
The event was hosted by Steve Kiefer, GM senior vice president of global purchasing and supply chain, who explained in great detail how GM is working with suppliers to form strategic partnerships with higher-quality intercompany relationships at all levels.
The event also included several team-building events which enabled the attendees to look at new ideas and innovations in both the automotive and business worlds. It also provided a platform for group networking with the GM executives and staff.
Stephen Pegram, vice president of sales for Heller, said: “GM is using the very latest technology to produce several ranges of crankshafts. Our teams have formed a great partnership and ensured our projects have been successful and to the original timelines, and we thank GM for the recognition and award.”
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