By Trent Moore
The Cullman Times
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Despite the sluggish economy, Alabama Cullman Yutaka Technology (ACYT) has managed to thrive since opening in 2008 — and the company was honored for that perseverance with a prestigious supplier award from Honda Manufacturing of Alabama this week.
ACYT manufactures torque convertors, exhaust systems, catalytic converters and other products for Honda Manufacturing of Alabama. The company is currently in the midst of three minor expansions, which are expected to create at least a dozen new jobs.
The honor the company received, a Honda supplier delivery performance award, was only given to 53 of the automobile manufacturer’s 600 suppliers. To receive the award, ACYT had to demonstrate a spotless delivery record.
“To win this award last year is an exceptional accomplishment, especially considering it was only ACYT’s second year in production,” Honda of America Senior Vice-president James Wehrman said at a Tuesday afternoon ceremony. “Most companies that have been doing this for years are still dreaming of winning a delivery award.”
Wehrman said ACYT’s commitment to excellence is the main reason the local plant received the accolade.
“To get this, you had to have parts on time, at the right time, every time,” he said. “This is not easy to do and it means an extensive devotion to detail ... Fortunately, ACYT achieved that in an exceptional way this year.”
Even as the automotive industry has faltered in recent years, Wehrman said Honda — along with suppliers such as ACYT — have survived and maintain an even better position today.
“We were able to weather this storm due to a lot of flexibility and sacrifices from our associates and suppliers,” he said. “Some didn’t make it, sadly ... but those that did come through this are even stronger.”
Masa Suzuki, president of ACYT, said the award shows things are being done the right way at the Cullman plant.
“I am glad we are able to receive this award for being an excellent supplier,” he said. “Everyone is working very hard and we will continue to strive toward that perfection.”
Though the company is still relatively new to the area, Cullman Mayor Max Townson said ACYT has quickly developed into an industrial asset.
“We are very proud to have Yutaka as a part of Cullman,” he said. “We’re very proud Yutaka decided to locate here.”
Senate majority leader Zeb Little, speaking on behalf of the local legislative delegation, said the award is a testament to the excellent workforce in Cullman County.
“This honor is something, of all the hundreds of suppliers in the country, you excelled above all of them,” he said.
* Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 220.
