Caterpillar Recognizes Bridgestone Firestone with Supplier Excellence Award

BFOR was awarded the 2007 Supplier Quality Excellence Award for its dedication to high standards. Shawn Rasey, vice president, BFOR, and Greg Halford, BFOR's Bloomington plant manager, accepted the award on behalf of BFOR during a recognition ceremony held April 15, in Bloomington, Ill.

“To be singled out as one of Caterpillar's top quality suppliers is truly an honor,” said Rasey. “Our team at BFOR takes a lot of pride in building world-class quality products and treating our customers like partners, so it's very gratifying to receive this type of recognition from a key customer.” 

“This award is a testament to the hard-working people who work at the Bridgestone Firestone tire plant here in Bloomington,” said Halford. “Our team strives to produce quality tires day in and day out. We are extremely proud to be recognized by the people with whom we do business on a daily basis.”

The Caterpillar Supplier Quality Excellence Award began in 2007 as recognition for its suppliers' efforts to provide the highest quality to Caterpillar. Successful suppliers are selected by a global team made up of experts from purchasing, engineering, manufacturing and logistics who base their decisions on a supplier's performance in key areas such as quality, service, delivery performance, and 6 Sigma Deployment.   

“We're proud to honor Bridgestone Firestone as the first North American tire company to receive the Supplier Quality Excellence Award from Caterpillar,” said Jack Koch, strategic sourcing manager, Caterpillar Global Purchasing. “At Caterpillar, our quality standards are uncompromising, and we expect the same from our business partners.”