BRISTOL, N.H. – Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies‘ Bristol, N.H., Bonded Piston Seal Lead Center has been awarded Ford Motor Co.’s Q1 Supplier Quality Award for its dedication to quality, delivery, service and continuous improvement programs on behalf of its customers.
 
The plant produces transmission components for a variety of Ford vehicles, including the F-250 and F-350 Super Duty Trucks and E Series Vans.
 
"We are extremely proud to be recognized by Ford Motor Co. as a Q1 supplier," said Glenn Anderson, Lead Center manager for Bonded Piston Seals (BPS), Freudenberg-NOK. "This award reflects the dedication and hard work of our associates in Bristol to concentrate on what customers expect and need, and then perform above those expectations every day. They have earned this important recognition by staying focused on the things that really matter in a manufacturing plant – quality, service, delivery, safety and true collaboration with the customer and each other."
 
Ford annually bestows its Q1 supplier status to those facilities that demonstrate commitment to fundamental quality and manufacturing disciplines that ensure success and promote continuous improvement. The auto company evaluates suppliers on the basis of quality, delivery, service, manufacturing capability and trust when considering a Q1 designation. Suppliers must hit benchmarks in each of these important areas and also implement and support ongoing programs that drive excellence throughout the facility to receive Q1 status from Ford.
 
"Our status as a Q1 quality supplier to Ford is significant to our customers, employees, company and community," said Jeff Drouin, operations manager for BPS, Freudenberg-NOK. "This designation allows us to pursue new business opportunities that could potentially lead to job growth and new economic activity in Bristol and the surrounding region. This is great news for Freudenberg-NOK and the local economy."