Ilford′s Vendor Programme

Reports on a discussion with Ilford, manufacturers of photographic equipment and materials, on how their shift from an “adversarial” style of supplier management to a more integrated and interdependent relationship with key suppliers, has brought them benefits. Shows the benefits of a strong vendor programme. Describes how the company embarked on its quality improvement process. Discusses the establishment of the vendor programme. Concludes that the programme is now an integral part of Ilford′s TQM. Contends that working to achieve TQM at the customer and vendor ends of the business is accelerating the company′s rate of progress and benefiting all.