Penske Logistics’ work in the automotive sector has been recognized by long-time customer General Motors, with a pair of 2021 Supplier of the Year awards, at GM’s recent Phoenix awards ceremony. Penske took home the hardware in the Lead Logistics Provider (LLP) category for services provided in Mexico, and for Dedicated Delivery Service (DDS) efforts to transport service parts to GM dealerships in the United States.
Marc Althen, Penske Logistics president: “I applaud our associates for the creative solutions that they engineered during a trying time. We are very thankful to GM for recognizing our hard work and dedication.”
A global cross-functional team selected the 2021 Supplier of the Year winners based on performance criteria in product purchasing, global purchasing and manufacturing services, customer care and aftersales and logistics.
GM’s Supplier of the Year award recognizes global suppliers that distinguish themselves by exceeding GM’s requirements, in turn providing GM customers with innovative technologies and among the highest quality in the automotive industry. This year, GM recognized 134 suppliers from 16 countries with the Supplier of the Year distinction.
“This year’s Supplier of the Year event was special not only because it’s the 30th anniversary of the program, but because it provided us with the opportunity to recognize our suppliers for persevering through one of the most challenging years the industry has ever faced,” said Shilpan Amin, GM vice president, global purchasing and supply chain.
By "Move Ahead" Staff
Penske Logistics truck at Oswego, New York, facility.
From left to right are Walt Cain, manager - aftersales logistics at Nissan North America; Greg McClellan, manager - SCM logistics at Nissan North America; Misty Embry, senior LLP manager at 
Custom-spec'd Penske Logistics trucks and trailers transport aluminum coils used in manufacturing pickup trucks, as well as aluminum scrap to be recycled.
With an attractive mix of tax incentives and proximity to its North American neighbors, Mexico has become a destination for businesses looking to establish a manufacturing base while at the same time creating a market for third-party logistics (3PL) companies.
It is this growth in manufacturing that is creating opportunities for 3PLs with logistics services helping to keep business costs competitive, according to the 
Mike Casidy was named the company's first Mexico managing director in 2013.
Sales Director Fabricio Orrigo will host one of several think tanks to be held, on the lead logistics provider concept.
Peter Wooding, editor-in-chief of Automotive Supply Chain magazine said: “The awards are to recognise and celebrate excellence in one of the most important and critical sectors within the automotive industry: automotive supply chain and logistics. Our heartiest congratulations to the winners and we truly feel that they are industry pioneers and trendsetters in their own right.”