Ford Tops in Supplier Diversity: Recognized with Corporation of the Year Award

Ford was named Corporation of the Year by the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC) this week. The award recognizes an automaker's commitment to developing and growing a diverse supply base. 
(Pictured from left to right are: 
Louis Green, president and CEO of MMSDC; Birgit Behrendt, executive director, Ford Purchasing; Tony Brown, group vice president, Ford Purchasing; Rhonda Walker, WDIV-TV; Burt Jordan, executive director, Ford Purchasing; Stephen Jones, executive director, 
Ford Purchasing.) 

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 7, 2011 – Ford Motor Company was named Corporation of the Year by the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC) this week. This is the second year in a row Ford has received the award, which recognizes an automaker’s commitment to developing and growing a diverse supply base.

Last year, Ford exceeded its supplier diversity sourcing goals by purchasing $4.1 billion in goods and services from its tier-one minority- and women-owned business enterprises in the U.S.

In addition to Ford, Purchasing Executive Director Burt Jordan was named a President’s Award winner. Jordan is in charge of global vehicle and powertrain purchasing.

“Our company takes very seriously its commitment to developing and growing a diverse supply base,” said Tony Brown, group vice president, Ford Global Purchasing.

“Minority-owned suppliers offer a wealth of innovation,” said Brown. “It is imperative that all of us continue to connect with the best of the best and encourage our tier-one suppliers to support MMSDC’s mission to economically empower diverse communities through the creation of jobs. This not only strengthens the supply network, it creates jobs and economic growth for the communities we serve.”

Ford’s 2010 diversity sourcing figure of $4.1 billion is an increase from $2.7 billion in 2009. It reflects higher vehicle production volumes, expanded sourcing to existing suppliers, and the addition of several new minority- and women-owned businesses.

In addition, Ford’s tier-one suppliers spent $1.29 billion with tier-two minority- and women-owned businesses in 2010, an increase from 2009 of $1.02 billion. The $4.1 billion spent in 2010 surpasses Ford’s annual goal of sourcing more than 10 percent of its U.S. production and nonproduction business with diverse suppliers.