Blue Bird Corporation handed out Global Supplier of the Year awards to 10 companies during the annual Supplier Conference in Macon, Ga., on Aug. 23.
“For the past year, these suppliers have provided Blue Bird with superior performance related to cost, quality, delivery and technology,” said Trey Jenkins, vice president of purchasing and supplier quality. “Blue Bird is privileged to have an outstanding supplier base, and we look forward to 2013 as we continue to grow market share and provide our customers with top-quality buses.”
One of the winners said the company has committed to providing Blue Bird with stable and economical steel prices.
“Alliance Steel and Blue Bird have a strong relationship that provides Blue Bird with high-quality steel and firm pricing,” said Chuck Fritts, regional sales manager for Alliance Steel. “Blue Bird incorporates a significant amount of steel in their robust buses and our secure price ensures Blue Bird customers are receiving unwavering, competitive pricing.”
Meanwhile, three-time award winner C.E. White was honored for being a Blue Bird supplier for the past three decades. C.E. White has an environmentally friendly manufacturing facility located near the Blue Bird plant to deliver fully assembled seating “just in time for manufacturing.” The environmentally friendly plant, added C.E. White President Tony Everette, eliminated packaging waste by using reusable delivery containers and reduces fuel use because of the close proximity to Blue Bird.
“C.E. White and Blue Bird’s stellar relationship goes beyond superior quality and cost efficiencies. C.E.,” he added. “Our collaborative, outside-the-box approach allows C.E. White and Blue Bird to maximize efficiencies while decreasing manufacturing costs, which further promotes stable customer pricing.”
Other winners were: Actia Corporation; Allison Transmission; Cummins, Inc.; Cummins Emission Solutions; Paramount Manufacturing, LLC.; PPG Industries, Inc.; ROUSH CleanTech; and Steel Warehouse of Tennessee. Blue Bird said more than 150 supplier representatives were in attendance.
