Toyota honors top suppliers

Nine companies were recognized for outstanding service at Toyota’s recent supplier conference.

By Staff September 7, 2007

Toyota Industrial Equipment Manufacturing, Inc. (TIEM) , the U.S. manufacturing plant for Toyota lift trucks, recently announced the winners of its annual Supplier of the Year Award. The Quality Cost Delivery (QCD) Award is given to suppliers whose quality, cost and delivery exceed a 95% standard of excellence. Of the more than 75 suppliers used by TIEM, seven met the criteria.
The winning suppliers are:
Advance Wheel Corporation – Chicago
• Aisin World Corporation of America – Crothersville, IN
• Champion Graphics Corporations – Cincinnati, OH

KYB America, LLC – Addison, IL
• Sanko Electronics America, Inc. – Charleston, WV
• Trident –
Suppliers are evaluated based on a parts rejection rate, their ability to meet cost reduction targets and their on-time delivery performance. All points are awarded based on a corresponding scale for the fiscal year.
“We believe this award reflects both our suppliers’ commitment to the Toyota Way, as well as our appreciation for their hard work and dedication,” said Bruce Nolting, vice president of logistics, production control, purchasing, sales and service parts, TIEM. He added that the company’s ability to provide high-quality lift trucks, while maintaining customer service performance, is very dependent on supplier performance.
The award ceremony took place at the TIEM production facility in Columbus, IN, during a supplier conference. Also honored were Tasus Corporation of Bloomington, IN, and Yazaki North America, Inc. , of Lexington, KY. Each received a Special Service Award for their contributions to the launch of the 8-Series, Toyota’s new line of 3,000-6,500 lb, internal combustion cushion and pneumatic tire lift trucks.