DES MOINES, Iowa — Construction and farm equipment maker Caterpillar Inc. has recognized Bridgestone Americas Inc.'s Des Moines farm tire plant as platinum-level supplier for a second straight year under its Supplier Quality Excellence Process (SQEP) Certification process.
Achieving Caterpillar's platinum level supplier status "speaks to Bridgestone's commitment to high standards of quality, productivity and efficiency in support of our customers," Des Moines Plant Manager Greg Halford said. "We are committed to building Firestone tires for customers like Caterpillar."
The plant earned Caterpillar's gold level status three straight years in 2014-2016, Bridgestone said.
Caterpillar's SQEP Certification recognizes a supplier's dedication to providing superior quality and is awarded only to suppliers that demonstrate world-class performance on an ongoing basis. Each year, suppliers are evaluated with increasingly strict criteria — bronze, silver, gold and platinum — for distinguishing outstanding supplier quality, exceptional service and delivery performance.
The Des Moines plant opened in 1945 and produces agricultural, construction, forestry and off-road tires.