The second class of the first module of Agrale's Supplier Qualification Program will begin on March 20 in the city of Caxias do Sul. With a strong focus on automotive quality tools, Module I aims to promote development and increase competitiveness standards throughout the supplier chain by employing management and quality resources.

According to Edson Martins, procurement director at Agrale, the program aims to promote the development of the company’s partners. “Today the market demands world-class quality standards and continuous improvements in competitiveness in various aspects, such as price, delivery times and rapid response to clients’ needs.”

Agrale’s Supplier Qualification Program draws on the support of its partnerships with the Micro and Small Company Support Service (Sebrae) and the consulting firm Qualimax for administering the classes. Sixteen suppliers to the company have already confirmed their participation in the second class. Participants will receive training on Process and Indicator Management; Regulatory Impacts; Advanced Product Quality Management; Methodology for Analyzing and Solving Issues; Analyses of Modes and Effects of Potential Faults; Approval Process of Production Parts; Statistical Control of Processes; and Measurement Systems.

“We can and should share some of the experience and knowledge we have acquired over Agrale’s last 50 years. Helping our partners by supporting their continuous development and growth and raising their quality standards benefits not only Agrale, but especially the company participating in the program. With higher productivity and lower losses and waste, suppliers become more competitive and can win over new clients while increasing their profitability. The program also makes possible greater synergy between Agrale and its suppliers as well as growth in their business volume with Agrale.

Agrale focuses on working with partners that are also concerned with our results. We measure the performance of our suppliers on a monthly basis and those that excel in aspects related to competitiveness, assured quality, on-time delivery and agility/flexibility in new developments will be recognized and will certainly be with us over the next 50 years, helping us build the future of Agrale,” said Edson Martins.

Focusing on partners located in Brazil’s South, the first class featured the participation of 100 professionals from 12 strategic suppliers, who focused on automotive quality tools and continuous improvement in process development and quality standards. “The benefits of the program were significant, leading to an average reduction of some 20% in the PPM index and a 50% increase in approval of samples from these suppliers,” noted Martins.

“We want to encourage our partners to invest continuously in modernizing and raising standards. In addition to the second class of the first module, we are in the final stages of preparation for the second module of Agrale’s Supplier Training Program, which is designed for companies that already completed the first module or for larger companies, with the aim of helping them continuously improve their Business Management,” explained Martins.

Agrale was created in 1962 and over these five decades the company has achieved a prominent position in the automotive industry and business world, consolidating its position as an important maker of cars and tractors, as well as Brazil’s leading producer of light chassis for 14 years.