Sumitomo Gets Supplier of the Year Award in Australia

Sumitomo Australia Group was awarded “Supplier of the Year 2009” by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries. Sumitomo provides electronic and electrical automotive components to automakers in Australia. The award is really important, as the competition was serious: MtM, a world leader in automatic gearboxes and Frontline which supplies exhaust manifolds and external accessories such as tow bars and bull bars.

“The awards are an important opportunity to thank our suppliers for a job well done and to celebrate their achievements,” said FCAI chief executive Andrew McKellar. “The three finalists are exactly the sort of innovative and successful businesses that we need in the automotive supply chain. Congratulations to the winner Sumitomo Australia Group – the challenges of the past 12 months make this year’s award even more significant,” he said.

Parliamentary secretary for innovation and industry Richard Marles recognized all three finalists as excellent business partners, especially in such harsh times. “As the Australian automotive industry shows some early signs of recovery, collaboration between suppliers and vehicle producers will remain crucial to manage growing demand,” said Mr Marles.

“I know all these finalists will continue to maintain the pace of improvement and innovation in their operations and be best practice examples to this vital automotive sector. Being judged by your customers as an excellent supplier is a high accolade indeed, and Sumitomo Australia deserves hearty congratulations on its award.

The Australian government is committed to supporting supply chain consolidation through A New Car Plan for Greener Future initiatives like the Automotive Industry Structural Adjustment Program and the Automotive Supply Chain Development Program,” he said.