Volkswagen Group South Africa recently hosted an event in Port Elizabeth to recognise its best performing suppliers in 2013. The annual event was hosted by the Managing Director of Volkswagen Group South Africa, David Powels.
As part of the event, the suppliers had the opportunity to drive the new Polo as well as other Volkswagen and Audi models. They were also hosted on a FactoryTour in Uitenhage where they were introduced to the latest production innovations with a focus on Think Blue. Factory initiatives which include projects such as the Bell Bell painting process that reduces paint usage and wastage.
“This event gives us an opportunity to recognise and show gratitude to our best suppliers for their outstanding work and ongoing partnership. Our success as a company can only be possible if we have strong and reliable partners that continuously deliver excellent service and high quality components,” commented Powels.
Looking into the future, Powels said: “The automotive industry is in cyclical downturn which normally brings lower profits and returns. As companies, we are not immune to that. It is however important that as partners we maintain a positive attitude towards each other as our success will be determined by the extent of our collective agreement and compromise on key issues. We all share similar interest which is the long term success of our companies.”
The best performing suppliers are recognised in five categories namely, continuous optimisation, sustainability, reliability, quality and champion of the region. Divisions within Volkswagen rate suppliers that they interact with on a number of criteria including quality, competitiveness, schedule adherence and attitude.
The suppliers that excelled in 2013 were:
- Borbet SA – Continuous Optimisation
- Kromberg and Schubert – Sustainability
- SMA Engineering – Reliability
- Valeo – Quality
- Principle Plastics – Champion of the Region
Alan Straton
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