Platinum v4 – Caterpillar awards Yokohama’s Onomichi tyre plant

For the fourth year in a row, Yokohama Rubber’s Onomichi plant in Japan has been instrumental in the tyre maker earning Caterpillar’s premier supplier award: Platinum Level Recertification in its Supplier Quality Excellence Process (SQEP). The Onomichi factory produces original equipment and replacement OTR tyres for a wide range of equipment, and supplies the construction and mining machinery manufacturer in a range of countries, including the UK, USA, China and Japan.

According to Caterpillar, its SQEP recognises suppliers like Yokohama that have exhibited excellent process control, shown a desire for ongoing continuous improvement and have provided quality products to Caterpillar.

Commenting on the fourth supplier award, Andrew Zeisser, original equipment sales director at the tyre maker’s Yokohama Tire Corporation operation in North America, commented: “We’re truly honoured to receive the Platinum Level Recertification for 2015. Earning an award like this from a world-class OEM like Caterpillar for the fourth consecutive year is a tribute to Yokohama’s global commitment to deliver best-in-class quality products and service.”

The Onomichi plant, the second built at the site, officially opened in October 2007 and began full production the following year. After gaining Bronze and Silver certifications in its early years of operation, the facility was first awarded Platinum certification for its efforts in 2012.