FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
18 May 1999
SUPPLIER SUCCESS SHOWS BENEFIT OF
Nissan is to honour Calsonic Llanelli Radiators for being the company’s most improved supplier in 1998.
Calsonic secured the improvement award for its performance measured in terms of quality, cost, delivery, development and management (QCDDM). The award demonstrates the dual benefit of Nissan’s open and co-operative relationships with all its suppliers.
All of Nissan’s 208 European suppliers are involved with the QCDDM measurement system. There are three annual awards for the best suppliers and a special award for the most improved.
Nissan’s purchasing philosophy is based on the idea of achieving objectives through working co-operatively with suppliers. This partnership is based on mutual trust and relies upon both partners having a commitment to continuous improvement.
Calsonic made significant progress in the areas of quality and delivery. The company’s design and development capability also increased. Calsonic has been involved in Cogent, a three-year design initiative set up by Nissan which has resulted in automotive suppliers being, on-average, 25 per cent better at designing and developing vehicle components.
Peter Hill, Director, European Purchasing at Nissan said: “Kaizen or ‘continuous improvement’ is a cornerstone of the Nissan manufacturing philosophy. Calsonic has improved its performance consistently throughout the year, and we are delighted to be presenting this award.”
Cliff Gapper, Director, Calsonic Llanelli Radiators said: “We are delighted to receive this prestigious Nissan award for most improved supplier. I would like to acknowledge the improvement efforts put in by all associated with the company, and I would like to congratulate all the employees at the Llanelli site.”
Calsonic supplies car radiators from Llanelli to the Nissan factory in Sunderland, the country’s largest car plant. Last year, a record 288,838 Nissan Micras and Nissan Primeras were manufactured, and output will again increase when production starts on the new Nissan Almera in January 2000. Nissan’s total component spend in 1998 was £1,153 million, 71% of which was spent with UK suppliers.
ends…
For further information, please contact:
Stewart McKee, Corporate Affairs Manager 01923 899930
Email: stewart.mckee@nissan.co.uk
Frank Shepherd, Corporate Affairs Assistant 01923 899930
Email: frank.shepherd@nissan.co.uk
24746/180599