Ford Motor Company presented its Q1 Award to the BADA division of Hennessy Industries, Inc., in ceremonies at the company’s Bowling Green, Ky., plant on Sept. 3.

BADA supplies wheel weights for Ford cars and light trucks, in addition to other automotive markets. The Q1 Award, Ford’s recognition of organizations that have achieved a continued level of product quality and excellence, distinguishes BADA as a preferred supplier.

Ford Supplier Quality representatives presented the Q1 Award plaque and Q1 flag to Mike Schulte, Hennessy Industries president, and Tim Presley, Hennessy Industries vice president of operations. “I can’t thank the Hennessy team enough for keeping the BADA plant at its current level and working together to achieve such a goal,” says Schulte, who accepted the award in front of a large audience of BADA employees and other Ford and Hennessy executives.

Presley emphasizes the award’s significance. “We are absolutely the leader when it comes to quality. We have grown so much in this industry, and receiving this award shows that we are truly committed to Ford and to the opportunity to continue growing worldwide.”

During his presentation speech, Keith Aubuchon of Ford Supplier Quality said, “It’s extremely important to have Q1 status, especially in this economy, with suppliers dropping out like they are. When I drive by a facility and see the Q1 flag, I know it’s a company that’s doing the right thing and making a high-quality product. The Q1 flag is a symbol of trust.”

An on-site audit of the BADA facility by Ford in early summer verified that the company had successfully implemented the quality management system necessary for Q1 status.

BADA has also been certified by Smithers Quality Assessments, Inc., in three different categories: TS 16949:2002 with product design for OEM quality standards; ISO 9001:2008 with design for AM quality standards; and ISO 14001 for environmental management system standards.

For more information, visit www.ammcoats.com, www.steelwheelweights.com or www.greenwheelbalance.com.