03/12/2013

  • Continental develops closer networking links with its suppliers
  • 20 of Continental's strategic suppliers showcased their innovations at this first Supplier Innovation Day which was held in Regensburg
  • Around 800 developers, buyers, and innovation and quality managers from Continental's sites in Germany and elsewhere in Europe attended the event

Regensburg.Continental continues to expand its innovative potential and today, in line with this objective, held its first Supplier Innovation Day. 20 selected suppliers took part in a trade fair to showcase their latest ideas and technologies to technical experts and managers from every automotive division in the Continental Group. "We're aiming for even closer collaboration with our key suppliers," said Helmut Matschi, a member of Continental AG's Executive Board, at the official opening, adding: "In the automotive sector in particular, creative talent is now a vitally important criterion along the entire added-value chain. Knowing how to exploit your potential is the key to making that decisive step forward."

Helmut Matschi (Member of the Executive Board and Head of the Interior Division) and Günter Fella (Head of Purchasing Automotive) while opening the Supplier Innovation Day. Image download

Close dialog with suppliers delivers both value and inspiration

In an environment characterized by rapid change, the time factor becomes increasingly important when it comes to introducing new technologies and applications. Continental's Supplier Innovation Day breaks new ground by developing closer links with the Group's suppliers. The aim is to bring technology and customer expectations together even more quickly in the form of innovative products and services. "We want to turn ideas even more rapidly into even better products. A comprehensive collaborative relationship with our suppliers based on mutual trust can play an outstandingly important role in achieving this," said Günter Fella, the Automotive Group's Head of Purchasing.

Helmut Matschi in discussion with exhibitors and looking at an exhibit. Image download

In preparation for this in-house innovation day, the highest performing of Continental's 800 core suppliers were invited to submit their designs and product developments. 86 ideas were short-listed from 25 suppliers, 20 of which were eventually invited to attend. The main focus during the initial selection process was on including a representative spectrum from all the materials supply sectors. Continental opted for a trade fair format so as to provide the broadest possible basis for the exchange of ideas between Continental's own experts and the exhibitors. In addition to the stands, the 900 square meters of exhibition space included two forums for presentations and discussion sessions. Around 800 developers, buyers, and innovation and quality managers from Continental's sites in Germany and elsewhere in Europe made the journey to this premium event held at Continental's Regensburg plant. Over the coming months, the visiting experts and the Supplier Innovation Day management team will be evaluating the innovations demonstrated at the exhibition. The most promising ideas will be systematically followed up.

The following companies exhibited their products and services at the Supplier Innovation Day: AT&S (printed circuit boards), Bertrandt (engineering services), DSM (plastic raw materials), EPT (plug connectors), Infineon (semiconductor components), Kern+Liebers (punching and forming), LG Innotec (electronic components), LTH (aluminum die casting), MEKTEC (flexible printed circuit boards), Murata (electronic components), NXP Semiconductor (semiconductor components), Schweizer (printed circuit boards), SFS Intec (forming, machining), Soehner (electromechanical components), ST Microelectronics (semiconductor components), Swoboda (electromechanical components), Tektronix (measuring equipment), Tripod (printed circuit boards), Texas Instruments (semiconductor components), Unitech (printed circuit boards).



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