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December 9th, 1999                        Ford_75th.jpg (5217 bytes)

Ford launches awards for Supplier Excellence

Ford Australia has initiated Supplier Excellence Awards as part of its continuing dedication and commitment to quality.

Launched to coincide with Ford’s 75th anniversary during 2000, the annual Ford Australia Supplier Excellence Awards will recognise the excellent work of Ford’s best suppliers, and superior supplier performance.

"Our dedication to quality is a fundamental aspect of the integrity of our products and the Ford name," said Ford Australia president Geoff Polites.

"Through these awards, we’re recognising that Ford cannot stand alone in this area. Our success is the result of partnerships in the pursuit of excellence – and that includes partnerships with our suppliers as well as employees, dealers and consumers."

A cross-functional team from within Ford Australia has developed judging criteria for the awards which are open to all suppliers, including original equipment, Ford Customer Service Division, and Ford material and service suppliers.

All suppliers will be reviewed against a set of minimum award targets covering the areas of quality, cost, delivery, recalls, warranty and Q1 certification.

Successful finalists for the inaugural awards will be announced at the end of November. (Now, that confused us in a statement dated December 9th. Ed) These suppliers must then prepare a brief submission detailing their performance in other areas, including corporate citizenship, work environment, diversity, environmental awareness, and consumer focus.

"These are all areas that are extremely important to Ford globally. By including these criteria in the awards, we are highlighting to those who work with us, just how important they are," said Mr Polites.

Winners of the first Supplier Excellence Awards will be announced at a gala dinner on February 10th, 2000.