ArvinMeritor Inc., a global supplier of a broad range of integrated systems, modules and components to the auto industry, has received the 2008 'Corporate ONE' Award from the Michigan Minority Business Development Council (MMBDC) for its supplier diversity program, which drives procurement opportunities with minority business owners. This is the second consecutive year ArvinMeritor has received this award.
"When it comes to supplier diversity, ArvinMeritor has set aggressive targets for ongoing investments with minority suppliers. While we're making good progress we still have room for improvement," said Vernon Baker, senior vice president and general counsel, who oversees ArvinMeritor's supplier diversity program. "To reach our goals we have made a commitment toward creating a pipeline of opportunity for our minority supply base."
During 2007, the Troy, Mich.-based company spent $95.3 million with minority suppliers, including new contracts totaling $34 million in which minority suppliers provided office supplies, professional staffing, logistics and auditing services, as well as Maintenance, Repair and Operating (MRO) management and products.
Criteria for the Corporate ONE award includes having an established minority/diversity supplier development program, reporting minority purchases on a quarterly basis and membership to the MMBDC's Project ONE, which is an initiative to aid minority businesses in becoming competitive bidders for corporate contracts. Other corporations that are active members of Project ONE include Ford Motor Co., Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan and Bank of America Corp., among others.
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