According to the Chrysler Group, approximately $200 million was sourced to minority suppliers for vehicle
development, manufacturing and logistics support of the 2003 Dodge Ram. In
total, Chrysler Group sourced more than $3 billion from minority suppliers
in 2002, or about 11 percent of its total purchasing spend -- maintaining
one of the highest percentages among any auto manufacturer.
Minority supplier participation can be found all over the Dodge Ram,
through companies such as Bates Manufacturing (vacuum harnesses),
Flex-N-Gate (stampings), Mehra Tube (tubing), OEM/Erie (injection molding
parts), and Prime Wheel (wheels).
In addition, Vitec Corporation was awarded a $125 million contract to
supply fuel tanks for Dodge trucks. The contract is one of the largest
ever awarded to a minority supplier by Chrysler Group, says the company.
"At a time when all industries are facing challenging economic times,
Chrysler Group is still committed to maintaining a high level of minority
supplier sourcing," said Tom Sidlik, Chrysler Group executive vice
president - Procurement and Supply, and chairman of the National Minority
Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) Executive Committee. "Our commitment
shows that minority suppliers can provide quality goods and services that
are cost-competitive and technologically advanced. Chrysler Group will
continue its efforts to support and develop minority businesses."
Chrysler Group's commitment to minority supplier development spans back to
1983. At that time, the Company established the Diversity Supplier
Development department and sourced $25 million to minority suppliers.
Since then, Chrysler Group has spent more than $21 billion with minority
business enterprises. Currently, more than 300 suppliers in Chrysler
Group's supply base are minority companies.
The Dodge Ram 1500 is built at the Warren (Mich.) Truck Assembly Plant, and
at the St. Louis (Mo.) North Assembly Plant. The 5.7-liter HEMI Magnum is
built in Saltillo, Mexico, and the all-new 2003 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty trucks
are built at the Saltillo, Mexico, and St. Louis North Assembly Plants.
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