TRW Automotive Plants Win Top North American Supplier Awards from Toyota
LIVONIA, Mich., April 8 -- TRW Fuji Valve Inc. and the TRW Automotive manufacturing facility in Marshall, Illinois were among a group of elite suppliers honored at Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America's (TMMNA's) Annual Business Meeting and Awards Ceremony recently held for 500 of the company's North American suppliers.
The awards acknowledge those suppliers who have met Toyota's highest standards in quality, delivery, and value improvement for parts, materials, and transportation.
TRW Fuji Valve Inc. is one of among only six of TMMNA's suppliers to achieve Toyota's Superior Quality Award, the company's highest level of recognition.
"The quality and reliability of Toyota's vehicles depend on the success of our North American suppliers," said Osamu "Simon" Nagata, vice president of Purchasing for TMMNA, located in Erlanger, Ky.
Commenting on this achievement, TRW Fuji Valve president and plant manager Keith Linville said, "We are very pleased to be recognized as one of Toyota's top suppliers. We plan to continue to raise the bar with respect to all aspects of customer satisfaction, and this award gives us further motivation to do so. It is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of all of the employees at TRW Fuji Valve."
Additionally, awards were given for outstanding vehicle launch performance, and TRW Automotive's Marshall, Illinois facility was recognized as one of only two suppliers to receive the "Excellent" award in Launch. This award honored suppliers whose exemplary work over the past several years greatly contributed to a smooth launch of the new model Toyota Corolla.
"This award was earned by everyone in our business, not just those working on the Toyota products," said Mathew Michaels, Operations Director at the Marshall facility. "The changes we have made to improve quality, delivery, and customer value have been made everywhere across the business to allow us to strengthen our processes for all customers."
Toyota will continue to be an important partner for TRW Automotive, both globally and in North America. With plans to reach annual capacity of 1.65 million cars and trucks and 1.16 million engines by 2006, Toyota's increased manufacturing investment in North America continues to have a significant impact.
Toyota currently employs some 34,000 people throughout North America. The company's direct investment is nearly $14 billion with annual parts, materials, goods and services purchased from North American suppliers totaling nearly $20 billion.
TRW Fuji Valve Inc. is 80 percent owned by TRW Automotive and 20% owned by Fuji OOZX, an affiliate company of Fuji Heavy Industries. The business is a premier supplier of engine valve technology.
About TRW
TRW Automotive's sales place it eighth largest among the world's automotive suppliers. Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, USA, the company employs approximately 64,000 people in 22 countries. Its products include integrated vehicle control and driver assist systems, braking systems, steering systems, suspension systems, occupant safety systems (seat belts and airbags), electronics, engine valves, fastening systems and aftermarket replacement parts and services. TRW Automotive news is available on the Internet at www.trwauto.com .
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