#United States #Northville #Cooper Standard #Hurricane Helene #Ford

Cooper Standard Wins 2024 Ford Supplier of the Year Award

Cooper Standard, a leading global supplier based in Northville, Michigan, recently achieved a remarkable honor by being recognized as the 2024 Ford Supplier of the Year in the Crisis Management category during the 2025 Ford Supplier Summit held in Dearborn, Michigan. This accolade is a testament to the company’s resilience and efficient crisis management protocols, particularly in the face of adversity.

Effective Crisis Response During Hurricane Helene

In late September 2024, Hurricane Helene posed significant challenges to many businesses in the Southern United States, including the operations at Cooper Standard’s Spartanburg facility in South Carolina. The storm was a fierce test for the company's emergency protocols, but the Spartanburg team demonstrated remarkable resolve.

Upon the hurricane's arrival, the team swiftly activated their emergency response plan. They established a command center outside the plant, ensuring clear communication with team members and customers. Despite the circumstances, production was safely resumed in a timely manner, showcasing the company’s strong commitment to serving its customers without interruption. Throughout the crisis, management prioritized safety while working closely with customers to address shipment needs and develop recovery plans.

Patrick Clark, president of Sealing Systems and chief manufacturing officer at Cooper Standard, expressed pride in the recognition. He attributed the award to the dedication and hard work of the Spartanburg team, who faced personal hardships while maintaining operational continuity. Clark stated, "This award highlights Cooper Standard's continued dedication to operational excellence, business continuity, and strong customer partnerships. It speaks volumes about our ability to respond quickly and effectively under pressure. We are incredibly proud to stand alongside Ford as a trusted partner."

A Testament to Operational Excellence

Ford’s Supplier of the Year awards honor those companies that exceed expectations in performance, innovation, and commitment in support of Ford Motor Company’s missions and goals. The Crisis Management category recognizes suppliers that display outstanding leadership and operational excellence in challenging situations.

Cooper Standard's ability to not only recover but thrive in difficult scenarios showcases its robust infrastructure and deeply embedded dedication to both customer satisfaction and employee safety. Despite suffering significant damage in the surrounding areas due to Hurricane Helene, the Spartanburg plant managed to maintain service levels and keep all customers operational during this challenging episode.

Commitment to Continuous Improvement

Cooper Standard is recognized for its original and sustainable engineered solutions tailored for diverse transportation and industrial markets. The company prides itself on leveraging materials science and manufacturing expertise, contributing significantly to its success and reputation in the industry. The collective efforts of its approximately 22,000 global team members play a crucial role in the company’s continuous improvement strategy.

In light of this prestigious award, Cooper Standard reiterates its commitment to excellence in crisis management, ensuring they are well-prepared for future challenges. This recognition not only cements their position as a preferred supplier to Ford but also reinforces their commitment to supporting their employees and the communities they serve effectively.

For more information on Cooper Standard and its operations, visit www.cooperstandard.com or follow them on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube.