Briggs Equipment’s 20 year relationship with Cummins culminates in supplier innovation award
Since Briggs Equipment supplied just 15 Hyster machines for Cummins’ Darlington Engine Plant in 1998, the relationship has grown. Today, Cummins Briggs’ stands at almost 600 machines across 12 sites, and Briggs has worked closely with Cummins to help improve efficiency and safety.
As a result, Briggs was recently recognised for supplier innovation for their material handling solutions at Cummins Europe, Middle East and Africa Supplier Awards.
Cummins identified the impact of the implementation of innovative material flow solutions as the reason for the award. These solutions centred on a new production line trailer delivery system; a series of custom-made trailers that allow a flexible and efficient way for Cummins to feed their production lines with parts in pedestrianised, non-forklift areas that often also require manoeuvrability in tight spaces.
Hyster is a major supplier partner for Cummins throughout Europe and their equipment has been an integral part of this operational success. The combination of having their chosen equipment from the engineering service provider they trust reinforces Cummins’ faith in the approach that is delivering great results.
Through the award, Cummins acknowledged the expertise offered by Briggs beyond material handling activities. Cummins praised an approach that focussed on low cost of ownership and long partnerships ahead of a short term view, particularly the solutions and efficiency gains recommended meant less equipment was required. Flexibility in accommodating the needs of a large organisation, made possible by Briggs’ own in-house financing operation, was another aspect of the relationship highlighted by Cummins.
An important factor in the implementation of change was the resultant improvements in operator safety. Cummins places great emphasis on the safety record of their manufacturing sites and the shared safety philosophy of Briggs Equipment’s own BE Safe programme ensured that the companies jointly met these objectives.
The award was presented to Peter Jones, Managing Director of Briggs Equipment UK, who commented, “It’s great to know that Cummins feels the dependability they get from Briggs, both operationally and in our account management, gives them the confidence to involve us in improvements they want to make to their business. Our approach to asset management and providing a broad range of engineering services has ensured that we have become an integral partner to Cummins in the UK.”
Craig Edgar, Corporate Indirect Purchasing Sourcing Manager at Cummins, explained the background to the award, “The support we get from Briggs Equipment is fundamental to the productivity targets of our business. The relationship has grown substantially and we always feel that Briggs has the ability to respond to whatever we need. This award recognises their diverse capabilities.”