Bombardier Transportation Announces Winners of its Inaugural Sustainable Supplier Awards

March 18, 2014
Hitachi and ABB recognized for their contribution to a responsible supply chain.

Bombardier has presented its suppliers Hitachi and ABB with the first Bombardier Transportation Sustainable Suppliers Awards. The awards recognize suppliers' accomplishments in the field of sustainable development, emphasising the strong strategic importance of a responsible supply chain as part of the company's objective to foster Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Hitachi was honored for its sustainable product design and life cycle concepts. ABB received the award for its long-term engagement and continuous improvement in CSR. The awards were presented by Pierre Attendu, vice president operations and chief procurement officer, Bombardier Transportation, and Christoph Schwärzler, CSR director, Bombardier Transportation, during a suppliers day at the company's headquarters in Berlin, Germany.

"Congratulations to both Hitachi and ABB for their clear commitment to a responsible supply chain, which is a key component of our continuous commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility," said Attendu. "Bombardier's products contribute to a sustainable future in public transportation and it is only right to demand the same of our procurement processes. By honoring our suppliers with this new award, we not only highlight the importance of CSR to Bombardier and its stakeholders but also encourage suppliers to enhance their CSR performance through friendly competition."

"Hitachi Europe Ltd. and Hitachi Ltd. Japan gratefully appreciate the recognition of Hitachi's efforts and acknowledgement of the importance of CSR activity. Establishing processes and obtaining certification for a sustainable supply chain is imperative to preserve finite resources, to create a stable global environment and safe working practices. Supporting sustainable infrastructure is key to Hitachi's own strategic goals. Receiving this award from Bombardier Transportation, the world's foremost transportation company, was beyond our expectations. It is our sincere hope that others will take up the challenge and adopt their own CSR programmes," said Neil Markham, marketing manager of Hitachi Europe Limited.

"ABB is proud to have won this award from Bombardier. Our two companies share the same focus on the health and safety of our employees, our customers, our suppliers, reducing environmental impact and doing this with the highest ethical standards. This is especially true in the field of rail transportation," stated William McCluskey, group vice president.

The Bombardier Transportation Sustainable Suppliers Awards are based on Bombardier's supplier self assessment survey of a total of 423 master vendors. The selection criteria cover quality systems (IRIS); environment, health and safety systems (ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001); labor conditions and business ethics (SA 8000); as well as general CSR commitment (GRI level B reporting) including philanthropic engagement.