Supplier diversity - Important to Solectron and its Customers

Solectron program leads the way in EMS Space

When it comes to the supply base, diversity is key in meeting the business goals of Solectron and its customers. Supplier diversity has traditionally been an important supply base initiative for OEMs for years, but is beginning to gain momentum in the EMS industry as OEMs outsource more of their production to contract manufacturers.

To this end, Solectron has taken an active lead in promoting supplier diversity, working with customers and organizations such as the National Minority Supplier Development Council and the Women's Business Enterprise National Council, to encourage the use of diverse suppliers in the EMS and technology industries.

Making a business case for supplier diversity
It has long been recognized that purchasing products from minority owned and other historically underutilized businesses is an important way to contribute to the economic vitality of the community and promotes supplier participation reflective of today's diverse business environment.  But working with a diverse supplier base also makes sound business sense for EMS companies and their customers. 

"Supporting diversity is not only the ‘right' thing to do, it is the smart thing to do. Working with companies owned by women, minorities and disabled veterans enhances Lucent's ability to meet its customers' needs," said Jose Mejia, president, Lucent Technologies Supply Chain Networks. "Success in today's business world demands cross-cultural competence and the ability to view problems from multiple perspectives. A company's whole team needs to be diverse, and our suppliers are a critical part of the team working to meet our customers' expectations."

"A majority of Solectron's top 20 customers have supplier diversity programs in place, and actively encourage similar programs with their business partners," said Amy Goudy, Solectron's program manager for supplier diversity.

Solectron leads EMS industry in supplier diversity
Out of the top five EMS providers, Solectron has the only formally recognized and longest running supplier diversity program. In action since 2002, Solectron's supplier diversity efforts work to identify and utilize a diverse supply base that benefit customers and communities.

"Customers are very excited and impressed with the programs Solectron has in place for supplier diversity," said Goudy. "The great thing about our supplier diversity program is that it is more than just a policy. We work extensively with diversity councils and organizations, as well as customers, to ensure that our program benefits business goals and the community alike."

"Cisco is committed to providing opportunities to diverse businesses," said Charleen Hamel, supplier diversity specialist, Cisco Systems.  "We are very happy that Solectron recognizes the importance of supplier diversity."

This article was adapted from Solectron World, Solectron's bi-monthly newsletter. For copies, please contact corporatecommunications@ca.slr.com.

A message from Solectron CEO Mike Cannon about the importance of supplier diversity.

At Solectron, our success is directly linked to that of our customers and suppliers. Increasing diversity within the supply chain is a key element in meeting the business goals of Solectron, our customers and our suppliers.

Solectron is committed to fostering an environment where all companies - regardless of size, cultural identity, gender or ethnic ownership - have the opportunity to compete and thrive. Purchasing products from diverse suppliers is also an important way to contribute to the economic vitality of Solectron and the community.

To this end, we actively seek out diverse suppliers, and, whenever possible, create barrier free, equal access opportunities for them to participate in our supply base.  We encourage our employees, suppliers, contractors and subcontractors to enthusiastically embrace this vision, and to expand its mission beyond procurement opportunities into other areas, such as active referrals, mentoring relationships and collaborative business opportunities. 

Michael Cannon
President and CEO
Solectron Corporation