Press texts
Sembach focuses on full automation
100 % Quality-Check for Bosch
Kick-Off
Laser show
Sand painting
Dance performance
Sembach Technical Ceramics achieves Bosch Supplier Award
Bosch Supplier Award - Interview
Has the relationship to Bosch changed significantly in the past 5 years?
Particularly, the relationship has become more complex Years ago, we had just one contact person for every core area (Purchasing, Engineering and Quality). This has changed. Today our contacts in the organization are more profound and multilayered. Especially in technical matters we have access to more contact and can thereby clarify specific questions directly.
For years we were „Preferred Supplier“.
What is he difference to the „Bosch Supplier Award“?
The requirements for the Bosch Supplier Award are much more comprehensive, which means that the criteria are much more demanding.The "preferred supplier" stays for quality, delivery reliability and price behaviour. In addition the development of the supplier is evaluated, as well as the benchmark for the Bosch Supplier Award.
The title "Preferred Supplier" is based on a certain automatism. If you meet the criteria, you are a preferred supplier.
To receive the "Bosch Supplier Award" - after fulfilment of the criteria - a committee will decide which proposed supplier will be awarded in the next step.
We have been talking about the criteria that must be met.
What criteria are these?
Quality performance
Price performance
Delivery reliability
Innovativeness
Can you be more specific?
The quality performance is measured in ppm (parts per million). This number represents the quantity of defective parts per one million parts delivered and serves as an indicator.
For example, the average quality performance of all Bosch suppliers in 2009/2010 was 160 ppm.
The quality performance of Sembach in 2010 was at 0.02 ppm!
This quality level can only be achieved with investments in innovation. In recent years, we have invested more than 5 Mio Euro in machines and equipment for Bosch. For us it was crucial to think and act future-oriented despite the crisis.
What leads now to be awarded with the Bosch Supplier Award?
We were suggested by our purchasing manager at Bosch.
Of course this was only possible as we have more than fulfilled all the requirements. At Bosch, a committee has selected the Best-in-Class suppliers of all suppliers, who have received the award.
Did you receive reactions from other customers due to this award?
Yes!
We have received congratulations, especially from customers who are aware of the importance of the award and the tough tasks to fulfil the requirements that are behind it.
Were our direct competitors, these awards presented before?
Not yet.
What effect will the award have on Sembach?
Much more than a rating of "preferred supplier", the Bosch Supplier Award will help to find consideration at any supplier selection. What is a clear competitive advantage. Bosch is not only our customer, but serves as a role model. In terms of organization, structure, best practice, eventually everything in the context of excellence - according to the guidelines of the European Foundation for Quality Management EFQM.
What actions will we pursuit, to grant receiving this Award again in two years?
Of course, we continue doing everything we can not just to keep the standard but to work on continuous improvement in all areas. Whether this results in being awarded is not only matter of meeting the requirements, but at the committee's decision. But we are optimistic!
In which ambience was the ceremony held?
What was particularly impressing for you?
The ceremony was held in an extraordinary course of event. Starting with the get-together. We visited the birthplace of Robert Bosch. In the subsequent event in the Bosch Heidehof – thinking central and headquarter of Bosch Training Center - Dr. Rudolf Colm, managing director of Robert Bosch GmbH, opened the event with introductory words. As a personal tutor, Mr. Thomas Neumann our purchasing manager accompanied us the whole evening.
The ceremony was held in Stuttgart at the “alte Reithalle” the following day. Here the first workshop of Robert Bosch was housed. The evening was moderated in two languages, by two great anchor-men. The inspiring speech by Franz Fehrenbach, chairman and CEO of Robert Bosch GmbH and leading figure in the global economy, was followed by the ceremony of the Bosch Supplier Award. Dr. Karl Nowak, President of Corporate Purchasing and Logistics, was presenting the award personally to each Supplier. Very surprising was the great weight of the award, about 12 pounds. There's a sure grip of advantage! The granting of the award was surceased by performances at the highest level. A fantastic sand painter, thrilling break dance, mime and laser show made the evening an unforgettable event.
