Bridgestone Mexico embodies and promotes fair and equitable treatment when searching for and hiring suppliers. These actions promote healthy competition throughout the supply chain, laying the foundations for solid and long-lasting relationships.

In 2016, the company had 3,950 suppliers from several countries, including: Singapore, the United Kingdom, Japan, Spain, US, Venezuela, Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Vietnam and Argentina. Of these suppliers, 91.16% are from Mexico, receiving 46.44% of the total amount paid to suppliers (US $368,385,365.45 in 2016).

Supply Management Process

The current processes of the Procurement Department are in compliance with the requirements of the business to safeguard and contribute to the development of the company’s commercial partners and the community.

Supplier and/or contractor registration policies have been improved, in addition to safety regulations and training sessions for suppliers.

Supplier Evaluation and Development

Through this evaluation process, Bridgestone Mexico compiles information about how its suppliers embody sustainability concepts to align their practices with the principles promoted and embodied by the company.

The evaluation process is carried out by the coordinator of the evaluation team, in accordance with the company’s internal procedures. Once completed, another meeting is scheduled to present the results and clarify any doubts. The suppliers have a 30-day period to send Bridgestone a plan of how it will implement the corrective measures needed to rectify any areas of opportunity detected, which will then be verified by means of an audit undertaken by the company.

Some of the criteria that are taken into account in this evaluation include:

• Respect for people.

• Counselling service.

• Visits requested by Bridgestone.

• Accuracy of any quotes requested.

• Speed of response when a quote is requested.

• Presentation of samples if and when necessary.

• Negotiation potential and costs.

• Information submitted with offers.

• Ensuring sustainable business conditions/respecting offers.

• Reliable and faster delivery time /agreed-upon delivery requirements.

• Deliveries that meet requirements, identification, packaging and certifications.

• Quality of the product or service.

• Priority supply (loyalty).

• Ability and interest to fulfill commitments, proposals and improvement initiatives.

• After sales service/response to complaints/warranty issues.

• Implementation of corrective measures, if and when necessary.

• Communication with Bridgestone in light of any unforeseen circumstances.

• Response to an emergency/flexibility when audited/p>