ArvinMeritor Salutes Suppliers

Automotive industry supplier ArvinMeritor Inc. saluted six contributors to its success at the company's annual supplier awards, presented Jan. 29. The 2004 Supplier of the Year awards were presented to: Buckeye Container, a division of Buckeye Corrugated Inc.; Genco Stamping & Manufacturing Co. Inc.; Heckethorn Manufacturing Co.; Industrial Distribution Group Inc.; MultiTech Industries and Trayer Products Inc. Troy, Mich.-based ArvinMeritor presented the awards during its North American supplier conference. "OEM expectations of supply-chain performance in all areas have never been greater, says Jeff Stoner, ArvinMeritor vice president of worldwide procurement. "So it is critical for Tier One suppliers to create a lean, effective team of suppliers. Our suppliers must embrace continuous improvement, as well as develop innovative, high-quality products to meet customer demand --on time and at the lowest possible cost." ArvinMeritor holds supplier conferences each year in Europe, Mexico, North America and South America.