GM Recognizes Heller Machine Tools for Supplier Excellence

For the second year running, Heller Machine Tools LP (Troy, MI) has been named the 2017 Supplier of the Year by General Motors (GM; Detroit, MI) within the category of indirect material and machinery during GM’s 26th annual awards event in Orlando, FL.

Recognition was given to 132 of GM’s best suppliers from 17 countries that have consistently exceeded expectations, created outstanding value, or brought innovations to their company. The announcement represented the most suppliers they have recognized since debuting the event in 1992. The award was presented to Heller for their RFK and DRZ ranges of crankshaft milling/turning machinery, engineering and applications that are being used by GM in many of their global manufacturing plants. They were the only metalcutting machine tool company chosen for an award this year. Since the machines were installed in their plants, they have seen significant reductions in crankshaft production costs, along with improved accuracy and reliability, all of which contributed to them receiving the award.

The event was attended by over 600 GM and supplier company executives and their guests. It was hosted by Steve Kiefer, the senior vice president of global purchasing and supply chain, who explained in great detail how they are working with suppliers to form strategic partnerships with higher quality intercompany relationships at all levels. The company has over 20,000 suppliers globally, and the suppliers were presented with awards within 11 different categories. The requirements for the awards are very detailed, with a major focus on quality, innovation, delivery, performance, safety, commercials and customer support.

“GM has been very supportive of us and we are honored yet again to win this award,” said Wolfgang Märker, the vice president of the Heller Crankshaft Division. The event also included several “team building” events that enabled the attendees to look at new ideas and innovations in both the automotive and business worlds. The team building also provided a platform for group networking with the GM executives and staff. “They are using the very latest technology to produce several ranges of crankshafts,” noted Stephen Pegram, the vice president of sales for Heller. “Our teams have formed a great partnership and ensured our projects have been successful and to the original timelines, and we thank them for the recognition and the award.”

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