After around 50 years of supplying the Kenworth DAF production facility in the Melbourne suburb of Bayswater North, the partnership between PPG and PACCAR Australia is as strong as ever. As part of the close, long-term relationship, PPG employs an all-encompassing teamwork approach via a network of staff operating from the company’s Clayton and Braeside sites in Melbourne. As well as supplying almost 100 per cent of the coatings used at PACCAR Australia’s Melbourne manufacturing facility, a wide variety of PPG staff work closely with the team to ensure that every vehicle that rolls off the line has a premium DELFLEET® Evolution paint finish. It’s the epitome of a win-win partnership. This is not the first time PPG Australia has been singled out for the fiercely contested awards but it’s great to be recognised again, according to Chris Edwards (PPG Victoria / Tasmania business manager) who accepted the trophies.
“We were up against a lot of very good suppliers who are all measured against a stringent set of key criteria, including cost management performance, product support, quality, engineering support, on-time delivery and purchasing support. When you take all that into account, I was really happy to get a nomination for Kenworth Category A Supplier of the Year. Then, when PPG was announced as the Category A winner and went on to also take the highest possible award, the coveted Kenworth Overall Supplier of the Year, I was elated,” Edwards said.
“I see it as recognition for the entire PPG team who are involved in supporting PACCAR Australia day-in, day-out. Whether it’s Mark Elliott who is onsite supporting the paint process, the PPG operations team, the colour services team, the laboratory, customer services – everyone plays a part and everyone should be proud of this award. And it’s not just about supplying product – it really highlights the PPG philosophy of supporting customer success at every level. It reinforces the strength of our technology, coupled with local manufacturing and support. PACCAR Australia is a very proactive company and the PPG team is constantly engaged in working with them to improve productivity and reduce product usage and waste. We have also instigated special projects, such as the highly successful online Kenworth Prime Colour Selector. Our strong ongoing relationship with PACCAR Australia and the honour of receiving these awards is not about any one individual within PPG – it’s a true team effort!”