Scunthorpe-headquartered British Steel has achieved the highest-possible supplier status from heavy plant company Caterpillar for the tenth consecutive year.
Dominic Hill, Customer Quality and Technical Manager, and David Waine, Commercial Director, visited Caterpillar in Illinois to be awarded a plaque recognising the company’s ‘Excellent Supplier’ status.
Dominic said: “Excellent is even more demanding than the previous gold standard, especially around quality, so Caterpillar has very few suppliers achieving it. To achieve this top level for 10 consecutive years is a truly remarkable accomplishment. This standard continues to require very demanding quality targets, equivalent to less than 0.02% rejections or repair, as well as just short of 100% delivery on time.
“It also requires ongoing work in cost saving initiatives and development projects, something we excel at. The installation of our new laser gauge is taking our width control to a whole new level and we’ve also introduced two brand new products, including one where we jointly designed a totally new concept of lightweight track shoe with Caterpillar.
“And to help them manage their overcapacity of demand for heat treatment, we have helped join up different parts of Caterpillar’s supply chain too.”
2022 saw a 67% reduction in suppliers achieving the top level due to the higher new standard, largely as a consequence of global supply chain challenges.
David said: “Delivering virtually 100% on time has been especially tough. Caterpillar said they’re particularly proud of us being able to achieve this requirement in such a difficult climate.
“As ever, we’ve been working hard to maintain our positive relationship with Caterpillar as well as developing innovative products and ways of working.
“The Caterpillar supplier evaluation is very demanding and covers all aspects of the business, so for us to stay in the topmost category is a great credit to every single one of us, very well done to all.”
