ERLANGER, Ky. -- DENSO, Johnson Controls and MAHLE earned top recognition from Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America Inc. (TEMA) at its Annual Supplier Business Meeting (ABM) held earlier this month. The awards recognize suppliers that exceeded the company's expectations in several areas.

"As Toyota redoubles its efforts to improve quality, our suppliers' commitment to flexibility and continuous improvement is crucial to Toyota now more than ever," said Tetsuo Agata, TEMA president. "Our supplier partners are working with us to assure the best possible product for our customers."

Now in its 14th year, ABM allows TEMA to discuss business objectives with direct suppliers in preparation for the upcoming fiscal year.  Held at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington, Ky., ABM brings together approximately 800 attendees from across North America.  In the U.S. alone, there are about 63,000 supplier jobs across 38 states dedicated to Toyota.  Moreover, Toyota collectively spent nearly $25 billion on parts, goods and services last year in North America.

TEMA 2009 Supplier Award Recipients:
    
QUALITY AWARDS -- Awarded to suppliers that demonstrate quality in production, performance, delivery, warranty and service
    
Aisin Light Metals LLC, London, Ky., Bumper reinforcements
                   
American Fine Sinter, Co. Ltd., Tiffin, Ohio, Valve seats       

DENSO International America Inc., Southfield, Mich., Multiple commodities

DTR Tennessee Inc., Midway, Tenn., Anti-Vibration Rubber  

Franklin Precision Industry Inc. (Systex Products Arkansas Corp.), Osceola , Ark., Engine Plastics     

Intat Precision Inc., Rushville, Ind., Iron Castings      
         
International Crankshaft Inc., Georgetown, Ky., Forged Crankshafts   
            
Jernberg Division of HHI Forging, Chicago, Ill., Wheel hubs
          
MAHLE Engine Components USA, Farmington Mills, Mich., Multiple commodities Superior

Mitchell, Kitchener, Ontario, oil pans, fuel tank
            
OTICS USA Inc., Morristown, Tenn., rockers
          
U.S. Engine Valve, Westminster, S.C., Intake/exhaust valves  
    
VALUE IMPROVEMENT AWARDS -- Awarded to suppliers that demonstrate value and cost-competitiveness

DENSO International America Inc., Southfield, Mich., Multiple commodities  

TRW Automotive, Livonia, Mich., tire pressure monitoring       
                            
SUPPLIER DIVERSITY AWARDS -- Awarded to suppliers that implement supplier diversity activities and targets
    
Vuteq LLC., New Albany, Miss., Interior plastics  

Exide Technologies, Milton, Ga., Batteries      

Johnson Controls Inc., Milwaukee, Wis., Seats          

Shape Corp., Grand Haven, Mich., absorbers      

Walbridge, Detroit, Mich., Construction services
    
TECHNOLOGY AWARDS -- Awarded to suppliers that demonstrate safety, quality cost and environmental leadership
    
DENSO International America Inc., Southfield, Mich., Compact TFT Module    

Keiper LLC, Troy, Mich., recliners        

Magna Seating, Novi, Mich., Seat recliner assemblies

Sika Corp., Lundhurst, N.J., NVH components & sealers

Valeo Lighting Systems and Valeo Sylvania Co. LLC, Seymour, Ind., Lighting         
                                  
LAUNCH AWARDS -- Awarded to suppliers that demonstrate quality and delivery for new vehicles
    
D.A. Inc., Hudson, Ind., Stamping        

F&P America Manufacturing Inc., Troy, Ohio, Rear suspension frame

Midway Products Group, Charlestown, Ind.

LG Fox Inc., Princeton, Ind., Construction and assembly
    
TEAM AWARD -- Total Exceptional Achievement for Manufacturing Award for suppliers that excel in overall performance
    
DENSO International America Inc., Southfield, Mich., Multiple commodities