Lapp Connecto selected as Ponsse’s Domestic Supplier of the Year 2020
Every year, Ponsse selects both a domestic and an international supplier from its supplier network in recognition of good cooperation. In 2020, Lapp Connecto Oy was chosen as the Domestic Supplier of the Year, and ZF Friedrichshafen AG as the International Supplier of the Year.
There are currently more than 250 companies in Ponsse’s supplier network, and close cooperation is ongoing. The Supplier of the Year award is given in recognition of successful collaboration and is selected from both domestic and international suppliers. The recognition is based on an evaluation of product quality, delivery reliability, price development, and both operational and strategic cooperation. The awards are presented annually at the Supplier Network Day. This year’s themes were competitiveness, cost-efficiency and responsibility.
“Our cooperation with Lapp Connecto Oy has been seamless in every area. Their commitment to manufacturing Ponsse products and quality is clearly visible. Working together truly gives the feeling that everything is under control. Lapp Connecto has shown excellent improvement in quality performance, and their active, results‑driven approach is reflected both in cost development and in projects," says Tuomas Yli‑Marttila, Ponsse’s Purchasing and Logistics Manager.
Lapp Connecto and Ponsse share a long history. Their cooperation began in 2003 in Otanmäki production, which was later transferred to Vieremä, Ponsse’s hometown, in 2007.
“We have developed together with Ponsse – improving products and especially quality over the years, even through challenging times. Our long cooperation gives flexibility on both sides, and we proudly manufacture our products for one of the world’s largest forest machine manufacturers. Our collaboration is genuine partnership,” says Ilpo Mäkelä from Lapp Connecto.
“We are extremely proud and honoured to receive Ponsse’s 2020 Supplier of the Year award,” says Janne Rautula, Plant Manager at the Vieremä facility.
“What makes this recognition particularly meaningful is the size of Ponsse’s supplier network and the fact that Lapp Connecto was chosen from such a large group of top‑tier suppliers. The award criteria also highlight: ‘The feeling as a customer that everything is under control!’ This gives us even more motivation to continue improving. The award reflects the impressive development path of the Vieremä plant; the 2020 Supplier of the Year award is a great continuation of the 2013 Improver of the Year recognition. Our operations have been continuously developed—many stones have been turned—and through determined work we have built excellent collaboration with Ponsse across many areas. Customer-centricity, one of LAPP’s core values, is truly realised in our cooperation with Ponsse,” Janne adds.
“Lapp Connecto is one big team in which every team member has contributed their valuable input, regardless of their role. That’s why I want to say: Together we are stronger!” Janne concludes.
Lapp Connecto’s Managing Director, Jyri Kontio, is also delighted with the award.
“This is an excellent demonstration of the competence and customer focus within our company. The award also shows that our investment in deep customer understanding has paid off. I strongly believe this achievement will serve as an excellent reference for new customer acquisition,” he says.
Ponsse Plc specializes in the sales, production, maintenance and technology of cut‑to‑length method forest machines, guided by a genuine interest in the customer and their business. The company develops and manufactures sustainable, innovative timber‑harvesting solutions tailored to customer needs.
The company was founded in 1970 by forest machine entrepreneur Einari Vidgrén, and throughout its history, it has been a pioneer in cut‑to‑length harvesting solutions. Ponsse’s headquarters are located in Vieremä, Finland. Its shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki’s Nordic list.