Schaeffler wins seventh successive award from Varian

Schaeffler (UK) is one of seven suppliers to have gained a Supplier of the Year Award from Varian Medical Systems (VMS) UK, in recognition of consistently high supplier performance over the last 12 months. Varian purchases a range of linear guidance systems from Schaeffler UK for various high-precision applications.

The VMR (Value Managed Relationships) awards recognise VMS UK's best performing vendors. VMS UK uses a vendor rating scheme to measure supplier performance as a tool for further improving quality and service. This supplier evaluation system standardises and quantifies subjective criteria, helping to identify poor-performing and higher-performing suppliers for placing future orders.

Criteria measured include: on-time delivery; parts per million (PPM) defects; quantity reliability; technical support; and a range of 'soft' factors such as cost, environmental and general service performance.

Awards to suppliers do not rely solely on the vendor rating system, as Derek Flanagan, Manufacturing Manager at VMS UK, explains: "To be in contention for an award, a supplier needs to be of an 'A' standard, but this still will not guarantee an award in itself. Out of our 107 production suppliers this year, Schaeffler UK achieved the highest overall vendor rating and so thoroughly deserves the award.

"Schaeffler has been supplying us for several years now and our working relationship is very good. Varian's and Schaeffler's cultures are very similar; we think the same way and always look for continuous improvements in everything we manufacture."

This year's awards were presented at VMS UK's annual VMR event in May at the Copthorne Hotel, Effingham Park. Receiving the award on behalf of Schaeffler UK was the company's Managing Director, Kate Hartigan, who commented: "We were absolutely delighted to receive a sixth VMR award this year, and we will continue to work closely with the Varian team to ensure that we support their business. Varian is a very progressive and innovative company and we value its consistent and timely vendor rating feedback."

Other suppliers to receive the award this year were Tuplin Gatwick Ltd, Flexible Machining Systems Ltd, Peter Jones Engineering Ltd, CC Precision Engineering Ltd, Document Options Ltd and Mairon Freight Management (UK) Ltd.