Raytheon Network Centric Systems Presents Saft with Three-Star Excellence Supplier Award
29 November 2006 12:57
Raytheon Network Centric Systems (NCS) has selected suppliers for their first annual Raytheon supplier three-star excellence award. This award recognises suppliers that demonstrate exemplary performance in meeting Raytheon’s standards for excellence in quality and delivery. Saft, a world leader in the manufacture and design of high-tech batteries, was presented with the award at NCS’ supplier-excellence awards banquet in Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas.
"Saft has repeatedly exceeded our highest standards of excellence and has been one of our most responsive suppliers," said Bill Metzinger, ITAS program manager for Raytheon Network Centric Systems. "The Li-ion battery box product has been consistently delivered ahead of schedule, and doubles the effective time a soldier can operate the improved target acquisition system in the ground mount configuration."
Saft supplies high-energy Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries to Raytheon NCS for the Improved Target Acquisition System (ITAS) program. The ITAS program is an upgrade from the current target acquisition and fire-control subsystem, providing better target-recognition range and hit performance for the Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire-guided (TOW) missile.
The ITAS provides several enhanced features, including automatic boresighting capability, aided target tracking, embedded training, and many other features that contribute to crew survivability, with an increased standoff range and improved battlefield-performance.
"It is quite an honour to receive the three-star excellence award from Raytheon," commented Glen Bowling, general manager of Saft’s Space and Defense Division (SDD). "We are very pleased to be recognised by a company like Raytheon that delivers products and services critical to our nation’s security and defence. We are proud to say that Raytheon can rely on Saft to ensure their products exceed the standards for excellence.
"The collaborative efforts of Raytheon and Saft have produced a wide range of benefits for all parties involved," Bowling continues. "Saft’s SDD has grown from a R&D environment into the first and largest high-volume producer of Li-ion batteries in a short period of time. It has been made possible thanks to the tremendous support of Raytheon’s supply and quality management teams, and as a result, soldiers will now benefit from the best possible power solution for ITAS."
Members of Raytheon’s supply chain selected Saft for the award through an integrated effort. Candidates for the award underwent a rigorous assessment using both quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Criteria for the award included quality and delivery of the product, as well as price and management responsiveness.
Raytheon has recently implemented the supplier three-star excellence to recognize suppliers like Saft that constantly make substantial contributions to the company’s ability to deliver quality products and services to its customers.
For more information on this company:
Saft - Lithium Cells and Battery Packs
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