Thanks for their help

Boeing recognizes 2004's top suppliers

Boeing honored 13 suppliers from four countries as 2004 Suppliers of the Year in recognition of their commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. They received the award at a March 23 ceremony in Newport Beach, Calif.

The winners, selected from more than 10,000 suppliers in 70 countries, were chosen based on cost, quality, delivery and post-delivery support, as well as their ability to anticipate and respond to customer requirements.

"Strong win-win relationships with the best global suppliers are central to Boeing's strategies for business growth and product development. We take advantage of what they do best so we can focus on what we do best," said Rick Stephens, Boeing senior vice president of Internal Services, in his keynote address.

A new category, Technology Advancement, made its debut this year to recognize companies that provide Boeing with innovative technology and expertise. The first award went to Waveflows, which has made important contributions in an emerging technology called "active flow control" that is of interest to military customers and also has commercial applications.

The 13 suppliers of the year, with their product category or industry, are

• Creative Management Technology Inc., Cocoa Beach, Fla.: small minority business enterprise/small disadvantaged business.

• Dell, Round Rock, Texas: non-production.

• Draeger Aerospace/Carleton Technologies, Lübeck, Germany/Orchard Park, N.Y.: interiors.

• Harris Corp., Department of Defense Programs, Melbourne, Fla.: avionics.

• Helicomb International, Tulsa, Okla.: small business.

• J. D. Ott Company, Seattle: purchased outside production.

• Kidde Technologies, Wilson, N.C.: electronics/hydraulics/mechanical.

• Patriot Machine, St. Charles, Mo.: woman-owned small business.

• Pratt & Whitney, East Hartford, Conn.: commercial engines.

• Radiall, Rosny-Sous-Bois, France: common aerospace commodities.

• ST Aviation Services Company (SASCO), Singapore: aerospace support.

• Stork Fokker, Papendrecht, The Netherlands: major structures.

• Waveflows, Glenview, Ill.: technology advancement.