ERLANGER, Ky. (March 25, 2015)  – Three Toyota suppliers — Fuel Total Systems Corporation of  Lebanon, Ky.; TAIHO Manufacturing of Tennessee, LLC. of Gordonsville, Tenn.; and OTICS USA Inc. of Morristown, Tenn. — received the company’s highest supplier recognition, the Superior Award for Quality Performance, during its Annual Supplier Business Meeting in March at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington.
 
“This event highlights our suppliers’ dedication to continuous improvement and long-term partnerships to build ‘always better cars’ in North America,” said TEMA Purchasing Vice President Robert Young.  “Toyota works in collaboration with each of our supplier partners to produce vehicles that meet our customers’ expectations for quality, safety and reliability.  We are pleased to recognize those suppliers that exceed our performance and collaboration targets.”
 
Additionally, thirty-two supplier companies received Awards of Excellence or Special Recognition for performance (see chart below) in categories including; supplier diversity, value improvement, value analysis achievement, quality performance, and launch performance for the new model launches of the Toyota Camry and Highlander.
 
During the meeting, TEMA addressed business objectives and goals in preparation for the fiscal year beginning April 1.  TEMA’s President and CEO Simon Nagata attended the meeting as well as presidents and other executives from Toyota’s 14 North American manufacturing facilities.  The meeting brings together approximately 900 attendees from across North America.
 
Toyota spends over $32 billion annually on supplier parts, goods and services in North America.  This volume of business creates more than 60,000 jobs across 30 states.