Five Canadian suppliers earn Freightliner distinction

PORTLAND, Ore. (April 26) — Five Canadian parts suppliers are among 30 firms recognized by Freightliner Corp. as “Masters of Quality” for their achievements in 1998.

To qualify, manufacturers must meet rigid quality standards, demonstrate an on-going commitment to quality improvement, and pass performance audits conducted by seven Freightliner work groups at every step of the truckmaker’s supply chain.

The Canadian winners are: DuPont Canada Inc., (Ajax, Ont.), which has now earned the award six times; Canadian Timken Ltd. (St. Thomas, Ont.) and Marine Plastics Ltd. (Langley, B.C.), which are both five-time winners; Flexalloy Inc. (St. Thomas, Ont.), with its fourth such recognition; and two-year honoree Symplastics Inc. (Orangeville, Ont.).

The Masters of Quality program began in 1987.

“The quality of trucks built by Freightliner and its subsidiary companies depends in no small measure on the quality of materials and components that our suppliers provide us,” says Freightliner Corp. president and CEO Jim Hebe. “The supplier’s role is critical to our own product quality and our customers’ satisfaction.”