Rolls-Royce Power Systems is keen to emphasize the importance of close supplier partnerships, which are indispensable to expand the international production network for its MTU and MTU Onsite Energy products. Hence its top 13 suppliers worldwide were recently singled out for accolades at the Supplier Symposium in Friedrichshafen in Germany.

 “Top three” suppliers of finished parts from the regions Europe, Asia and America as well as the best suppliers of raw components worldwide were each awarded. An innovation category with the winner Akasol was also awarded. A German manufacturer of high-performance batteries with whom the company signed a joint development contract in 2018 on the use of lithium-ion batteries in sea vessels and rail vehicles.

Spark plug supplier Federal Mogul also picked up gold, and was especially commended for its outstanding technological contributions to MTU gas engines. Another golden trophy winner was Qingdao GBS Machinery in China, supplier of cast iron components, who demonstrated an excellent capacity to satisfy special customer requirements at short notice. Top of the league were also Winsert Inc. from the US, manufacturer of valve seat inserts, and Fronberg Guss GmbH, German supplier of large castings. These two businesses also shared the special glory of posting zero defects on parts supplied.

“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”, explained Andreas Schell, CEO of Rolls-Royce Power Systems.

As it evolves into an integrated solutions provider, Rolls-Royce Power Systems 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.