Ford's engine plant in Lima, OH, gave a Zero Defect Award to Loctite Corp. (Rocky Hill, CT). Of the 216 suppliers that serve the plant, Loctite is one of only five companies to maintain zero defects for 3 consecutive years. The Lima plant produces 20 percent of Ford's engines.

DaimlerChrysler presented a Gold Award to Dow Corning Corp. (Midland, MI), which supplies the automaker with gasketing materials, conformal coatings and other materials. Gold Award candidates are judged on a variety of criteria, including quality, timely delivery and cost reductions.