On Thursday, June 6th, 2024, the Seraph team was joined by automotive industry leaders to celebrate the 2024 Seraph Operational Excellence Award winners.

The event included over 130 guests from over 30 companies including ZF, Brose, Magna, Forvia, Yazaki North America, Webasto Group, MEMA, OPmobility, and more.

Guests enjoyed a cocktail hour full of appetizers followed by an elegant dinner that provided great networking opportunities while celebrating this year’s award winners:

•  Best Overall: Flex – Guadalajara, MX
• Logistics Excellence: ZF Foxconn Chassis Modules – Tuscaloosa, AL
• Operations Excellence: Yazaki Corporation North America – Chihuahua, MX
• Quality Excellence: Cooper Standard Aguascalientes – Aguascalientes, MX
• Human Resources Excellence: Coastal Automotive, LLC – Holland, MI
• Honorable Mention: Webasto Group – Detroit, MI

Our award winners gave inspiring speeches on how grateful they are to be recognized for their hard-working teams and to be achieving such outstanding operational excellence within their plants.

Thank you valued judges for your expertise and leadership in helping select the 2024 Operational Excellence Awards winners.

See some of the evening’s highlights – photo gallery images.

Seraph is excited to announce the students that have been selected to take part in the “Manufacturing Excellence Leadership Program.”

This program is designed for students aspiring to pursue careers in manufacturing who wish to explore the automotive industry’s offerings.

 “Our aim is to nurture the next generation of manufacturing and operational excellence leaders through an immersive, hands-on externship experience that exposes students to top operational companies.”  Thomas Kowal, President of Seraph North America  

Four outstanding students have been selected to receive the Seraph Manufacturing Excellence Leadership Program! Each student was graded based on their professional credentials including an example of work that they completed that demonstrated their knowledge of or passion towards working in the automotive industry. Their dedication and exceptional contributions have truly set them apart ~

Kirin Raval

University of Michigan

Industrial and Operations Engineering with a Minor in International Studies, 2026

“Manufacturing is a great intersection between technological innovations and human creativity since it is inherently problem solving oriented (…) This constantly growing field requires adaptive and creative thinking that I believe that I have and it will keep me engaged while working.”

Alec Cousino

Wayne State University

Global Supply Chain Management and Psychology, Honors, 2025

“While I enjoy the complexities and sleekness of cars themselves, the deep-rooted ecosystem of interconnected suppliers exchanging technologies and products is what really enamored me.”

Mariana Flores Cantu

Michigan State University

Supply Chain Management Minor in Environmental & Sustainability Studies, 2025

“As I take these steps towards a future where supply chain management is even more innovative. even more impactful, and even more revolutionary, I hope that it will pave the way for others to not only take a single step forward, but thousands of them.”

Redford Hudson

UC Irvine

Data Science, 2024

“I am a data scientist enchanted by the world of manufacturing, and my calling is to build the next wave of smart manufacturing solutions.”

What each student will receive:

• $1,000 scholarship.
• On-site plant assessment experience and an all-expenses-paid trip.
• 1-1 meeting with Seraph Leadership.
• Attend the Seraph Operational Excellence Awards Ceremony, held on June 6, 2024, at Chroma in Detroit, where they will be able to network with Automotive/Manufacturing experts.

Congratulations to our Winners:

While applications are closed, you can still learn more about this incredible initiative at seraphawards.com/student-leadership-program/

Like the intricate components within your manufacturing plant that drive its functionality, the Seraph Operational Excellence Awards process was created to assess and understand key information across your many facts of your automotive plant operations. It was designed to assess how well key departments within your plant operations are performing, where you are the strongest and how well you are performing against your peers.

The Operational Excellence Awards process provides an opportunity for your leadership and teams to work collaboratively towards a common goal, and to highlight strengths across the manufacturing floor. The value it adds is noticed across different areas of your plant.

“Being involved in the Operational Excellence Awards, was an extremely valuable endeavor, and I would highly recommend applying, regardless of winning. It brought our teams together in a meaningful way.”

Ramesh Gaddam, President and CEO Rayconnect.

Phase One involves taking an online assessment, which facilitates questions across four (4) key departments of your manufacturing plant – operations, quality, logistics, and human resources.

The online assessment will require roughly 90 minutes (about 1 and a half hours) to complete. At the conclusion of Phase One, each participating company will receive a summary report showing how well you performed against your peers in each category, providing a comprehensive view of your market position.

Phase Two identifies the top eight (8) scoring companies from Phase One, and provides each company with a complimentary on-site assessment from the Seraph team. This assessment is a streamlined version of the manufacturing audit process that Seraph uses to evaluate manufacturing plants across the globe.

Our assessment is a proven process that will highlight how well your plant is performing in each of the designated areas, operations, quality, logistics, and human resources. Last year’s recipients of the in-plant assessment felt that this was an invaluable tool. At the conclusion of this phase, each participating company will receive a summary assessment report, that highlights key areas of the audit. The entire process enables you to identify areas within your operations that require improvement while also acknowledging achievements that deserve recognition.

Phase Three serves as validation of your work through the discerning eyes of our Operational Excellence Awards judging panel, which is comprised of highly qualified industry experts with decades of automotive experience.  Past year’s winners attested to the value of our judges, who possess profound expertise in automotive manufacturing. Receiving their stamp of approval signifies that they were achieving excellence within their plant operations.

During this phase, our judges will review findings from both Phase One and Phase Two to select all five (5) award winners:

• Operations Excellence Award
• Quality Excellence Award
• Logistics Excellence Award
• Human Resources Excellence Award
• Overall Best Supplier Excellence Award

Phase Four being chosen as a finalist for the Operational Excellence Awards offers a unique opportunity to celebrate your accomplishments with other industry professionals. It’s a chance to reconnect with old acquaintances and forge new connections, while publicly acknowledging your company’s excellence. This year’s awards ceremony will take place on June 6, 2024, at Chroma in Detroit, MI.

Besides operational value and insights, celebrating your accomplishments with your team enhances employee morale and fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose. Winning the Operational Excellence Awards instills a sense of pride and achievement. After winning the award, last year’s winners returned to their plants and celebrated their win with their teams, hosting a lunch and acknowledging their teams’ accomplishments. It’s small the things like this that go a long way in uniting your team together.

Additionally, beyond internal communications, all winners will receive a comprehensive press kit. This facilitates the seamless announcement of their achievements through external channels.

Applications are being accepted through March 8, 2024.

Applying requires only a small investment of time. 

Talk to your leadership team and act today. Don’t miss out!

Who Should Apply:

Automotive Tier 1 and 2 suppliers, including automotive aftermarket manufactures, that have a plant(s) operation in North America.  Each plant applying is a single application, so multiple applications from the same organization can apply.

It’s free to apply …. with tremendous upside in being selected for an award.

Apply today:  2024 Operational Excellence Awards visit our website.

Calling all Students Studying Fields in Manufacturing!!

Last call to apply for the Manufacturing Excellence Leadership Program!!

Success takes on a unique form for everyone, particularly as a college student embarking on their career journey. Paying attention to certain opportunities can be the differentiator in launching your career with promising prospects. Building experience and fostering a strong professional network are crucial aspects to consider.

The Seraph Manufacturing Excellence Leadership Program offers a distinctive chance for individuals like yourself to actively engage in an in-plant manufacturing assessment, connect with industry executives who can be valuable mentors in your career, and receive a $1,000 scholarship.

On-site assessment

Seraph is a global manufacturing consulting firm that works with some of the world’s largest suppliers and OEMs. Our team is comprised of former CEO, President’s, and Plant Managers at some of the most prominent Tier 1 suppliers. With our hands on knowledge and extensive expertise, Seraph has crafted a unique assessment tool that swiftly and accurately identifies critical elements within a manufacturing plant operation. This tool has been used across the globe to uncover our clients greatest manufacturing challenges.

Seraph possesses vast experience in conducting onsite assessments and audits across manufacturing facilities globally. Through this program, you will gain the chance to be up-close and personal through this assessment process, which will evaluate four main areas of their manufacturing facility – operations, logistics, quality, and human resources. You will be exposed to the specific factors that we deem as being essential in running a successful manufacturing plant.

Connections + Networking 

In addition to gaining industry experience, this opportunity represents a crucial stride for you in establishing a robust professional network within the automotive sector.

As a student, research indicates that networking holds various benefits, such as:

• Assisting in your overall success.
• Providing valuable insights.
• Serving as an opportunity to find a mentor.
• Creating a supportive system.
• Refining your soft skills.

The Seraph Manufacturing Excellence Leadership Program not only connects you with our team of experts but also introduces you to a network of industry professionals who will be present at our awards ceremony in June. Last year, over thirty companies participated in our celebratory event, offering numerous networking opportunities.

Don’t miss the opportunity to apply!

Accepting applications through February 29, 2024.

Important Dates:

Please be aware of the following dates (subject to slight adjustments):

• Enrollment period due date: February 29, 2024.
• Finalists’ evaluation: March 1 – 8, 2024.
• Winning candidates’ announcement: March 15, 2024.
• On-site plant assessments: Tentatively scheduled from March 25 to April 30, 2024.
• Operational Excellence Awards ceremony: June 6, 2024.

Who Should Apply:  

We are seeking students who are studying manufacturing, industrial engineering, supply-chain and/or operations management.

We welcome applications from:

• University graduates who are in their first year (of a 2-year graduate degree program) or first or second year (of a 3-year graduate program).
• University undergraduates in their sophomore, junior or senior year.
• Seniors in technical high schools.

 *Applicants must reside within the United States.

The value of applying to the Seraph Operational Excellence Awards begins before winning a trophy; it starts with the on-site assessment! Our objective is to equip your company with tools for the rapid identification of both areas of excellence and potential improvements. A well-functioning plant reflects strong leadership, making the onsite assessment a tool for your leaders to acknowledge and celebrate different levels of your organization.

Deep expertise

Seraph boasts extensive expertise in conducting on-site assessments through years of global experience across various facilities. Our assessments are conducted by our specialized consultants that have gathered invaluable experience serving as plant managers at some of the world’s largest suppliers and OEMs. Their hands-on knowledge enables swift and precise identification of best-in-class areas and effective steps for improvement.

Gain Crucial Insight

The Seraph on-site assessment serves as a crucial tool for leaders seeking a high-level understanding of their company’s health, emphasizing the most critical aspects of plant operations. Our approach prioritizes efficiency, concentrating on uncovering vital information within a short timeframe—specifically, one day for the Seraph Operational Excellence Awards (OPEX).

Seraph employs a boots-on-the-ground strategy, thoroughly reviewing the plant layout and production capacity. Our assessments encompass specific facets, including operations, logistics, quality, human resources, program management, maintenance, leadership, and more.

Through visual inspections of the production floor and meaningful conversations with management and operators, our experts gain a deep understanding of your business and operations. The comprehensive report generated can be used for future improvements and for both internal and external promotional purposes.

The Seraph Operational Excellence Awards on-site assessment focuses on key aspects, including:

Operations:

• Efficiently manages daily operations and production.
• Proactively drives continuous improvement actions to resolution.
• Utilizes a centralized and organized location for production information.
• Conducts regular daily meetings with all team members.
• Enhances transparency for critical items.

Logistics:

• Maintains a robust and up to date PFEP (plan for every part).
• Monitors inventory levels throughout the value stream.
• Tracks daily usage of all components.
• Establishes effective runout dates to prevent shortages for all components (internal and external).
• Utilizes an effective supplier ordering system, automating material orders, and adheres to regular material ordering cadences.
• Manages packaging and achieves on-time delivery.

Human Resources:

• Works to keep low employee turnover.
• Offers best-in-class employee packages and a favorable work environment.
• Maintains a commitment to workplace safety.
• Adheres to robust recruitment practices.
• Implements training initiatives that foster the development of exceptional employees.
• Demonstrates a commitment to employee empowerment within the operation.

Quality:

• Continuously promotes FTQ (first-time quality) through comprehensive quality documentation and processes, ensuring stable production.
• Establishes root cause analysis processes to address customer-reported issues.
• Aligns and manages supplier readiness for PPAP (production part approval process), tool readiness and release, and equipment readiness for production.
• Regularly assesses the maturity of the supply base using tracked quality metrics.
• Implements escalation rules for both internal and external quality issues.
• Maintains requisite certifications and consistently demonstrates daily practices in line with certification requirements.

Who Should Apply:  

Automotive Tier 1 and 2 suppliers, including automotive aftermarket manufactures, that have a plant(s) operation in North America that are achieving great things in one of 4 areas: operations, logistics, human resources, and quality. Each plant applying is a single application, so multiple applications from the same organization can apply.  

Plants that are interested in applying should be achieving 80% OEE.

Applications are being accepted though March 8, 2024.

See how your plant operations stack up against your competitors and be one of the (8) plants that receive a complimentary onsite plant assessment.

It’s absolutely free to apply….with tremendous upside in being selected for an award.  

Apply today:  2024 Operational Excellence Awards visit our website. 

Calling all Students Studying Fields in Manufacturing!!

Introducing the Manufacturing Excellence Leadership Program!

Reap significant rewards by investing a small amount of your time.

Are you about to start your career in some avenue of automotive manufacturing? Are you looking to take advantage of opportunities that can help advance your knowledge and exposure to the industry?

The Seraph Manufacturing Excellence Leadership Program provides a unique opportunity for individuals like you to get an up close and personal experience in conducting an in-plant manufacturing assessment, meet industry executives that you can leverage in your career path and receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Follow this comprehensive guide on how to apply and mark your journey towards success:

Important Dates:

Please be aware of the following dates (subject to slight adjustments):

• Enrollment period: November 1, 2023, through February 29, 2024.
• Finalists’ evaluation: March 1 – 8, 2024.
• Winning candidates’ announcement: March 15, 2024.
• On-site plant assessments: Tentatively scheduled from March 25 to April 30, 2024.
• Operational Excellence Awards ceremony: June 6, 2024.

Who Should Apply:  

We are seeking students who are studying manufacturing, industrial engineering, supply-chain and/or operations management.

We welcome applications from:

• University graduates who are in their first year (of a 2-year graduate degree program) or first or second year (of a 3-year graduate program).
• University undergraduates in their sophomore, junior or senior year.
• Seniors in technical high schools.

*Applicants must reside within the United States.