Flender Earns Top Honor with Supplier Excellence Award from Caterpillar Inc.

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Jeff Sutherland, Caterpillar's Product Manager for Reman Drivetrain, (right) presents the esteemed Supplier Excellence Award to Flender's Claudio Quinonez, Chuck Corba, and Sue Pfortmiller (from left)

Flender, the renowned drive specialist, has clinched the esteemed Supplier Excellence Recognition Award 2023 from Caterpillar Inc., a leading U.S. machinery manufacturer. This recognition is a testament to Flender’s outstanding performance, securing a position among Caterpillar’s elite suppliers for its global Aftermarket (Reman) Division business.

The award underscores Flender’s exceptional achievement in maintaining an impressive 95% delivery reliability and achieving zero defects, setting a high standard for suppliers in the industry. Caterpillar’s Supplier Excellence Recognition Award is reserved for the top echelon of suppliers who demonstrate unwavering commitment to excellence, particularly in fostering a zero-defect culture within their organizations.

Flender’s dedication to quality and reliability is evident in its supply of new gearboxes, remanufactured gearboxes, spare parts, and couplings for Caterpillar’s 7495 Rope Shovel. The Supplier Excellence Recognition Award reaffirms Flender’s standing as a top-tier supplier, reflecting its long-standing partnership with Caterpillar and its commitment to delivering exceptional products.

Caterpillar has instituted a rigorous certification program aimed at recognizing suppliers that consistently uphold excellence, with a specific emphasis on maintaining a zero-defect culture and ensuring on-time delivery. To achieve certification, suppliers must meet or exceed stringent performance standards, including product quality and adherence to delivery schedules.

The top-performing suppliers, including Flender, recognized by Caterpillar, have not only met but exceeded the demanding requirements set by Caterpillar’s Supplier Excellence programming from May 2022 through June 2023. This acknowledgment is a testament to Flender’s unwavering commitment to delivering top-notch products and services that align with Caterpillar’s reputation for world-class machinery and services.

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Flender and Caterpillar representatives proudly showcase the Supplier Excellence Award, solidifying Flender’s status as a leading supplier for Caterpillar’s global Aftermarket (Reman) Division business

Pam Heminger, Caterpillar Senior Vice President for the Strategic Procurement and Planning Division, emphasized the pivotal role of the global supply network in Caterpillar’s success. She noted, “Caterpillar’s reputation for world-class products and services stands on the shoulders of our global and diverse team – and that team includes our international and diverse supply network. By working together, we can deliver on our purpose to help our customers build a better, more sustainable world.”

Kerry Klein, President of Flender Corporation, expressed gratitude for receiving the Supplier Excellence Award and highlighted the significance of the longstanding partnership with Caterpillar. Klein stated, “We are very honored to receive the Supplier Excellence Award from Caterpillar for 2023 and to be recognized as one of their top suppliers. It reflects our long and outstanding partnership with Caterpillar. We look forward to continuing to deliver proven quality products for many years to come.”

Headquartered in Bocholt, Germany, Flender has established itself as a global leader in supplying mechanical and electrical drive systems. With a rich history spanning more than 120 years, Flender is renowned for its commitment to innovation, quality, and reliability in drive components. The company caters to various industries, including wind power, cement, mining, oil & gas, power generation, water and wastewater, marine, conveyor, and crane technology.

Flender’s comprehensive range of gear units, couplings, generators, and associated services leverages cutting-edge technology to ensure optimal power transmission. With approximately 9,000 employees worldwide, Flender continues to set industry standards, providing exceptional products and services that meet the evolving needs of its clients.