Key Safety Systems — a global designer and supplier of automotive safety systems, including air bags, seatbelts and steering wheels — announced that it recently selected Ryder System for logistics and transportation management services supporting all of Key Safety’s North American and European operations.
Ryder also announced that it has been named Delphi’s first “Provider of the Year” for overall logistics excellence in 2006, and that it was recognized as an “Excellent” supplier by Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America.
Key Safety Systems selection
“Our decision to outsource logistics and transportation management functions to Ryder was primarily driven by their expertise in the automotive industry and ability to leverage their transportation buying power,” says Steve DuBuc, senior vice president of global purchasing for Key Safety Systems.
Under the multiyear contract, Ryder will develop and manage a customized transportation solution to optimize Key Safety’s supply chain. Ryder says it provides these services through a turnkey transportation solution that includes carrier procurement and management, logistics engineering, freight bill audit and payment, claims management, and shipment planning and execution.
“Key Safety has proven to be a technology leader and industry innovator that continuously develops and manufactures high-quality safety products,” says Dick Jennings, vice president and general manager of automotive for Miami-based Ryder. “We’re grateful that we’ve earned the opportunity to work with a company of such high standards.”
Delphi recognition
Delphi’s award to Ryder was presented during ceremonies March 15 at the Delphi North American Conference in Troy, Mich.
“Ryder is being honored as our 2006 Logistics Provider of the Year for their performance, continually striving for benchmark levels, and their exemplary efforts in working to exceed our customers’ expectations,” says Jonathan Freeman, Delphi’s director of corporate global logistics. “As with every quest for excellence, this is a journey, and Delphi recognizes Ryder Logistics in achieving ‘Best of the Best’ status in supporting the Delphi North American operations.”
Delphi has been a Ryder customer since 1986. Ryder supports Delphi’s logistics operations with a variety of services, including supply chain, transportation and warehouse management solutions.
“Ryder is honored to be Delphi’s first recipient of the Provider of the Year award,” says Vicki O’Meara, president of U.S. Supply Chain Solutions for Ryder. “We look forward to continuing our collaborative partnership and delivering continuous improvement and higher levels of customer service that will contribute to Delphi’s quality reputation and success globally.”
Toyota honor
The TEMA award recognizes Ryder as a top North American supplier of logistics services for its commitment to meeting Toyota’s high standards in value improvement for parts and materials in 2006. This is the second consecutive year Ryder has been honored with this award.
“Our suppliers must meet the very high standards and performance levels that contribute to the quality reputation for which Toyota is known,” says Atsushi Kume, TEMA senior vice president. “This award acknowledges their contribution to value improvement, which continually helps streamline our supply chain and drive efficiencies.”
In 1987, Toyota selected Ryder as its first North American logistics provider for its plant in Georgetown, Ky. Today, Ryder provides logistics services for Toyota at locations in California, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia, as well as in Argentina, Brazil, Canada and Mexico.
“Ryder is honored to receive this recognition from Toyota, who continues to be a world leader in efficient manufacturing processes and in providing quality products,” O’Meara says. “Ryder looks forward to continuing to generate value and drive performance for Toyota and its customers.”
