Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FST) honored six of its top-performing suppliers with SEAL (Supplier Excellence Achievement Level) Awards for their contributions throughout 2024. The annual recognition highlights vendors who demonstrated consistent excellence in quality, delivery, cost management, technology and customer service.
The awards, now in their 18th year, are presented in three tiers—Gold, Silver and Bronze—across two categories: Metals and Metal Fabrication (MMF) and Chemicals and Non-metallic Components (CRM). FST works with approximately 300 direct materials suppliers, and the SEAL Awards represent the company’s highest supplier recognition.
“These business partners consistently pursue process and product improvements and outstanding communications that set a benchmark for partnership and collaboration,” said Kyle Johnstone, Supplier Development Manager at FST. “We are delighted to present the annual SEAL Awards to our most deserving vendors to highlight both their achievements and our appreciation of their contributions to Freudenberg’s ongoing success.”
The awards were presented during a series of recognition events attended by representatives from each winning company and FST’s purchasing and commodity management teams.
“Freudenberg Sealing Technologies prioritizes innovation, engineering excellence, quality and service,” Johnstone said. “Our supply base is crucial in helping us achieve these metrics for our customers. We are honored by the dedication and efforts these six companies demonstrated on our behalf.”
Suppliers are evaluated annually using a scorecard that measures performance and encourages continuous improvement and lean operations. The SEAL Awards aim to strengthen supplier relationships and reinforce shared goals for operational excellence.
SEAL Awards 2024 Winners
Metals and Metal Fabrication Category
• Gold winner: Lapham-Hickey Steel (Paulding, OH)
• Silver winner: Wolverine Advanced Materials (Blacksburg, Virginia)
• Bronze winner: Headly Manufacturing Company (Broadview, IL)
Chemicals and Non-metallic Components Category
• Gold winner: Cabot Corporation (Franklin, LA)
• Silver winner: Accudyn Products, Inc. (Erie, PA)
• Bronze winner: Wacker Chemical Corp. (Ann Arbor, Mich.)
