When Automobile Manufacturers Need a World Class Supplier they look to SCOA and its subsidiary companies

From Detroit to North Las Vegas to Monterrey, Mexico and beyond, SCOA and its subsidiary companies are valued partners to the global automotive industry.

Created in 1998 as a joint venture among three companies (SC, Hirotec Corporation, and Budd Company, one of the top U.S. automotive suppliers), Hirotec Mexico S.A. de C.V. has quickly become a $100 million a year revenue company and currently has contracts with auto manufacturers General Motors, Ford, DaimlerChrysler and Nissan.

The partnership brought together companies from three countries and the results have been unmistakably successful. "We've created one new Hirotec Mexico S.A. de C.V. culture from Japanese and United States companies and Mexican staff, all working as a team," explained Tatsuhisa (Tom) Hiramatsu, Vice President, Hirotec Mexico S.A. de C.V..

Each company brought its area of expertise to Hirotec Mexico S.A. de C.V.: Hirotec in engineering, manufacturing and equipment; the Budd Company in sales, material control and purchasing; and Sumitomo in finance, accounting, administration and government regulations, according to Mr. Hiramatsu.

Because of this, Hirotec Mexico S.A. de C.V. finds itself on the leading edge of the auto supplier industry as it moves toward more of its product being produced by suppliers. It has supplied whole doors, fenders, back doors and roofs for such high volume vehicles as General Motor's Suburban and Avalanche sport utility vehicles.

"We provide a unique product. Doors, roofs and fenders are usually produced in an automaker's plant," said Mr. Hiramatsu. "We are a unique supplier and therefore in a good position to build our business."

In addition, Hirotec Mexico S.A. de C.V. supplies the roof for DaimlerChrysler's Ram Pickup and will provide the doors and deck lids for the new and much anticipated PT Cruiser Convertible.

Hirotec Mexico S.A. de C.V.'s success can be measured in more than dollars and unique products. Among the awards they have received recently is a 2002 Supplier of the Year award from General Motors, a 2002 Q1 Award from the Ford Motor Company and a 2001-2002 Master Quality Award from Nissan.

Hirotec Mexico S.A. de C.V. is ISO 9001:2000 certified as well as ISO 14001, which refers to environment management systems and standards. The company currently operates one plant in Sialo, Guanajuato, but plans are already in the works for a second plant in Ramos, Aripe, in the state of Coahulia.

"We continue to receive good support from Sumitomo Mexico, SCOA and SC Tokyo," said Mr. Hiramatsu. "Outstanding communication and teamwork has allowed Hirotec Mexico S.A. de C.V. to build a completely different culture."

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