DS Smith: Quality Second to None
DS Smith plants across Europe have proved their ability to consistently deliver quality packaging after taking six of the 11 awards at the Mars Chocolate “Packaging Suppliers 2013 Quality Awards”.
Mars: devoted to quality
The awards are a reflection of the commitment to quality of DS Smith – one of Mars’ five principles that guide their approach to business. “Quality is really important to Mars,” commented Ros Hamilton, Mars Vendor Assurance Manager. “Having suppliers that can supply good quality consistently is an absolute must for us.” Mars Chocolate introduced its Quality Focus Initiative (QFI) back in 2006 to reward high performing suppliers. The Site of Quality Excellence awards recognise overall quality excellence taking into consideration volume and complexity of supply, and Perfect Performance awards recognise 100% compliance. The eight DS Smith plants that supply corrugated and four plants that supply cartons to the seven Mars Chocolate factories across Europe are all committed to the initiative.
Recognising supplier quality excellence
This year, Richard Stuckes, CEO of DS Smith Packaging, and Hervé Colléaux, DS Smith European Sales Director of Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), accompanied Frank McCusker to the Mars Chocolate “Packaging Suppliers 2013 Quality Awards”.
- DS Smith Nördlingen won Site of Quality Excellence for the fifth consecutive year in the corrugated category for achieving 0.0015% non-compliance.
- DS Smith Fegersheim won Site of Quality Excellence in the cartons category with 0.002% non-compliance.
- DS Smith Margarethen, Eerbeek and Kutno (for a second consecutive year) received Perfect Performance awards in the corrugated category, as did DS Smith Toury in the cartons category for the second year running.
Driving the highest standards
Frank McCusker shared the great news with the plant managers of DS Smith that same evening. Paul Feistle, MD for DS Smith Nördlingen, was thrilled. “It is a great honour for the team to win Site of Quality Excellence for the fifth consecutive year and it is confirmation that our compliance processes are powerful and sustainable.” Patrice Collet, Managing Director for DS Smith Fegersheim and Toury was also delighted. “Being given these awards by Mars makes our team very, very proud. They give us the vigour to improve again and to be confident of the future.” These awards are recognition of the commitment of DS Smith to constantly drive the highest standards of quality across all the packaging plants.
Source: DS Smith