For Immediate Release
Public Relations Division
Public Affairs Department
1170 Eighth Avenue
Bethlehem, PA 18016-7699
(610) 694-3711 - Phone
(610) 694-1509 - Fax
BETHLEHEM, Pa., April 27, 1998 -- Bethlehem Steel Corporation has been named a 1997 Supplier of the Year by General Motors Corporation, the third consecutive year Bethlehem has been selected by the world's largest automaker and manufacturing company.
Bethlehem was the only supplier of flat-rolled steel in the world to receive the international award from General Motors Worldwide Purchasing in ceremonies on Saturday, April 25, in Mexico City.
The award this year was presented to 182 companies from 25 countries and recognizes suppliers that exceed specific performance standards in the areas of quality, service and price. Recipients are selected from among GM's worldwide base of more than 30,000 supplier companies. Harold Kutner, GM's vice president for Worldwide Purchasing, said, "Bethlehem Steel demonstrated throughout 1997 that it is among the 'Best of the Best' suppliers to General Motors."
Accepting the award on behalf of Bethlehem Steel, Curtis H. Barnette, Bethlehem's chairman and CEO, said, "We are deeply honored to again be selected by General Motors as a Supplier of the Year. This award was earned through the teamwork of Bethlehem employees who have serving our customers as a principal objective. We are supported by our suppliers. Earning this award three consecutive years demonstrates Bethlehem's progress, but we must continuously improve to be able to satisfy our customers' requirements."
GM has presented its Supplier of the Year awards internationally since 1992. Companies winning the award are selected by teams of purchasing, quality, engineering and manufacturing experts from GM operations around the world.
Bethlehem will celebrate the award with its employees, GM dealers and community leaders at events scheduled for June 17 at the steelmaker's corporate headquarters in Bethlehem, Pa., and June 18 at its facilities in Burns Harbor, Ind., and Lackawanna, N.Y.
