Rolls-Royce Celebrates Suppliers

Rolls-Royce Power Systems recently celebrated its top 13 suppliers worldwide at its Supplier Symposium at its headquarters in Friedrichshafen, Germany.

The ceremony emphasized the importance of close supplier partnerships, which are indispensable to expand the international production network for MTU and MTU Onsite Energy products, the company said.

Awards were given to the top three suppliers of finished parts from Europe, Asia and America as well as the best suppliers of raw components worldwide. Akasol was given an award for innovation category. The German manufacturer of high-performance batteries signed a joint development contract with Rolls-Royce in 2018 for the use of lithium-ion batteries in sea vessels and rail vehicles.

“We want to put Rolls-Royce Power Systems on a digital footing, keeping ahead of the game in electrification, activating talents, and creating a smartly balanced product portfolio. In all this, we also benefit from the mutual expertise and innovative input between suppliers and companies”, said Andreas Schell, CEO of Rolls-Royce Power Systems.

As it evolves into an integrated solutions provider, Rolls-Royce Power Systems said it is starting to operate well outside the realm of its traditional core business, reaching new markets worldwide. Coupled with the ability to react flexibly to market fluctuations, the new strategy requires a solid and internationally supply chain.

“Our goal is to develop and improve in tandem with our suppliers. The basis for this is our proactive partnership,” explained Erik Manning, head of Operations and Procurement, at the Supplier Symposium.

The prize winners

Finished parts Europe

Gold: Federal Mogul Ignition (DE; Spark plugs)

Silver: Alfing Maschinenfabrik (DE; Crankshafts)

Bronze: Miba Gleitlager Austria (AUT; Plain bearings)

Finished parts Asia

Gold: Qingdao GBS Machinery (CHN; Cast iron parts)

Silver: Chevon Industrial (SGP; Radiators)

Bronze: Bharat Forge (IND; Crankshafts)

Finished parts America

Gold: Winsert (USA; Valve seat components)

Silver: Slidematic Precision Components (USA; Cylinder head bolts)

Bronze: Engineered Flexible Products (USA; Exhaust bellows)

Unfinished parts worldwide

Gold: Fronberg Guss (DEU; Large castings)

Silver: Otto Fuchs (DEU; Compressor impellers)

Bronze: Thomann (DEU; Piping and semi-finished products)

Innovation award

Gold: Akasol (DEU; High-performance batteries)