Pirelli, Michelin among Ford's noted suppliers

ERJ staff report (TB)

Dearborn, Michigan -- Ford Motor Co. has recognised 40 suppliers, including Michelin North America Inc. and Pirelli & C. SpA, with its World Excellence Awards, the company's highest recognition for its suppliers worldwide.

The World Excellence Awards honor production and non-production suppliers that have exceeded Ford's highest standards in cost, quality, technology and delivery.

There are three levels of World Excellence Awards-Gold, Silver and Recognition of Achievement. The Gold and Silver Awards are given to suppliers that excel in quality, cost and delivery. Ford awarded 13 Gold awards and 27 Silver awards this year.

Among the silver award winners were Pirelli's Guacara, Venezuela, tyre plant and wheel manufacturers Prime Wheel in Kunshan, China, and Ronal in Jicin, Czech Republic.

The Recognition of Achievement Award is given to suppliers that improve customer satisfaction by providing significant contributions in key areas: new consumer-focused technology, consumer-driven 6-sigma, durability and reliability performance, corporate responsibility, diversity and community service and warranty improvement.

Michelin, one of 11 suppliers that received Recognition of Achievement awards, was recognised for its ultra-low rolling resistance tyre technology in the Energy Saver A/S tyre. That tyre, fitted on the Ford Fusion, allowed Ford to improve rolling resistance by 24 percent over the traditional fitment, according to Michelin. The award also recognised the Michelin passenger car and light truck tyre plant in Lexington, South Carolina, which manufactures the Energy Saver A/S.

From Tire Business (A Crain publication)