Walbro Co. Ltd. received Honda’s coveted Supplier Development Award at ceremonies at Walbro’s Tokyo office on February 21, 2014.
The award is presented by Honda annually to suppliers for significant improvements in terms of price, quality and development. Walbro received the award for this year in the category of pricing. Walbro was one of only twenty companies out of 800 Honda suppliers to receive the award this year.
Walbro provided cost reductions due to an improved process for its Gas System for Honda butane-powered generators, utilizing its innovative PBG and PCG gas mixer and regulator.
“This award exemplifies Walbro’s innovative spirit and demonstrates how Walbro constantly works to satisfy customer needs,” Tony Martin, President and Chief Executive Officer, Walbro Engine Management said.
“These products are consistent with the desire of both Honda and Walbro to meet the environmental challenges facing the small engine industry,” Martin said. “The gas regulator and mixer are part of a wide range of Walbro products designed to meet the global small engine emissions challenge. These include electronic engine management systems, low-evaporative fuel tanks, fuel lines, connectors and other products designed to control emissions.”
Honda’s stated policies include efforts to develop environment-friendly products. This includes the development of products where gaseous fuel such as propane, butane and liquefied natural gas is used as an alternative energy source. These gaseous fuels produce lower carbon monoxide (CO) emissions than gasoline and are growing in use on a variety of products throughout the world. Walbro has offered products for use with gaseous fuels for more than a decade.
From left to right: Mr. J. Toyoda, Senior Business Unit Manager, Walbro Co., Ltd.; Mr. Y. Yamamoto, Business Unit Director, Walbro Co. Ltd.; Mr. M. Namba, Manager, Procurement Department, Purchasing Division IV, Power Product Operations, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.; Mr. Y. Goto, President, Walbro Co., Ltd., Senior Vice President, Lawn and Garden, Walbro Engine Management; Mr. R. Takahashi, General Manager, Purchasing Division IV, Power Product Operations, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.; Mr. J. Sensmeier, Vice President, Lawn & Garden Sales and Engineering, Walbro Engine Management; Mr. G. McFarlane,Global Supply Chain Director, Walbro Engine Management; Mr. M. Tamaoki, Program Manager, Walbro Co., Ltd.