Citing an ability to develop innovative solutions and support the commissioning of new factory lines, Nestlé USA named Rockwell Automation as the recipient of its 2014 North America Procurement Supplier of the Year Award for technical procurement - maintenance, repair and operations (MRO).

“This award recognizes many years of innovative collaboration and partnership between Nestlé USA and Rockwell Automation,” said Andy Murray, head of technical procurement, Nestlé. “Rockwell Automation is one of our key strategic suppliers, and I’m proud of all our collaborative efforts. Rockwell Automation has innovative ideas, and we would like to see even more. It’s a great pleasure to present this award to Rockwell Automation.”

Nestlé commended Rockwell for its superior ability to communicate its supplier relationship management scorecard throughout Rockwell Automation’s organization and using it to gauge its performance as a supplier to Nestlé. Headquartered in Milwaukee, WI, Rockwell employs approximately 22,500 people who serve customers in more than 80 countries.

Keith Nosbusch, chairman and CEO, Rockwell Automation, says the company was honored to receive the award. “We pride ourselves on working with the best companies in the world, and Nestlé is certainly one. Nestlé was our first global account, and our relationship is the benchmark we use to measure all others.”

Nosbusch adds that through sharing technology roadmaps and identifying similar objectives, Rockwell has built a close relationship with Nestlé, which has driven this strategic alignment.

 According to Nestlé, the goal of the Supplier Relationship Program is to strengthen and develop relationships between Nestlé USA and its key suppliers, creating more value for both organizations.