Bethlehem Steel Receives G.M. Supplier-of-the-Year
Award for fourth consecutive year
For Immediate Release
Public Relations Division
Public Affairs Department
1170 Eighth Avenue
Bethlehem, PA 18016-7699
(610) 694-3711 - Phone
(610) 694-1509 - Fax
At an awards ceremony May 5, Harold R. Kutner, vice president and group executive, Worldwide Purchasing and North American Production Control & Logistics, for the giant auto company, said, "GM's Suppliers of the Year represent the 'best of the best. Of GM's 30,000 suppliers, Bethlehem Steel Corporation is one of only 184 that has achieved Supplier of the Year distinction for 1998, an honor accorded only to those suppliers who have achieved world-class levels of quality, service, technology and price in support of General Motors."
In acknowledging the award from GM during the ceremonies, Curtis H. Barnette, Bethlehem's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commended the "thousands of dedicated Bethlehem employees" who make, process, ship and sell products to GM. "Our employees know the significance of GM as a highly valued Bethlehem customer," said Mr. Barnette, adding:
"For Bethlehem Steel to be honored with its fourth consecutive GM Supplier of the Year award further demonstrates Bethlehem's determination to Be the Premier Steel Company, as we continuously try to improve service to our customers."
GM is one of Bethlehem's largest customers for flat-rolled steel products, and Bethlehem recently signed a long-term steel supply contract with GM. John Stiles, executive director, Worldwide Purchasing, Metallic, for GM, said of Bethlehem's selection for this year's award: "Bethlehem Steel Corporation is a premier supplier to GM's Metallic group of Worldwide Purchasing. And the 1998 Supplier of the Year award recognizes Bethlehem for its continuing outstanding service to General Motors." 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 1998 award with its employees, area GM dealers and community leaders at events scheduled for June 2 at the steelmaker's corporate and technology headquarters in Bethlehem, Pa., and on June 3 at Bethlehem's facilities in Burns Harbor, Ind., and Lackawanna, N.Y.