The Veka UK Group’s inaugural Supplier of the Year Awards has seen EWS (Manufacturing), provider of steel reinforcements for the group’s PVC-U systems, scoop the overall winner’s prize.
The awards were split into four disciplines, with EWS triumphant in the Technical – In house design category before going on to win the main prize. Renolit was named best Manufacturing Consumables supplier, with OMYA and Chick Plastics successful in the Raw Materials and Ancillary categories respectively.
“We’re meticulous in our vendor selection,” commented Nicola Woods, purchasing manager for The Veka UK Group. “Every month our key suppliers are provided with a vendor rating report which outlines their performance over the preceding period. Suppliers are graded on quantitative data such as number of non-conformances and ‘on time in full’ (OTIF) deliveries, but also on qualitative data such as customer service, flexibility and timely response to queries.
“Suppliers must achieve or exceed a benchmark score – each month, without fail – in order to remain our approved supplier, and we also hold regular face-to-face review meetings to develop relationships that are beneficial to both parties. Through these interactions, we have the utmost confidence in the efficiency and robustness of our supply chain, and we can pass that assurance on to our valued customers.”
The vendor rating scores for five key areas – product quality, on-time delivery, customer service, quality system (ISO 9001), and environmental management system (ISO 14001) – were compared for all suppliers, with EWS achieving the highest cumulative score of all.
Andy Richardson, chairman of Wolverhampton based cold-rolled production specialist, EWS, said: “I am delighted that EWS has won The Veka UK Group’s Supplier of the Year award. EWS is honoured to have enjoyed a trading relationship with Veka for more than 25 years. The Supplier of the Year Award is a reflection of EWS’ determination to excel and the commitment and high standards of EWS’ employees. We’re proud of our contribution to ensuring that The Veka UK Group’s systems meet the most demanding standards and accreditations.”
Dave Jones, MD of The Veka UK Group, congratulated EWS, saying: “Our aim is always to work with companies that uphold the same exacting standards as we do, and nurture those relationships to create a stronger partnership. These awards are a great way for us to encourage superior performance in all our suppliers, and deliver the benefits to our customers. Well done to EWS for demonstrating excellent quality and service, in this, the awards’ first year.”
