Harley Davidson

Harley-Davidson Motor Co. recently announced record profits for a quarter. What wasn't apparent was the substantial role purchasing played in taking this American icon from a position of near financial oblivion to star status in investors' hearts. Not surprisingly, it's quite a story. In the mid-1990s, CEO Jeff Bleustein decided to move from the traditional high-walls paradigm of American manufacturing to one in which purchasing became a full partner in product development with the …

…of mutual success. Getting into Berryman's fraternity is not easy--you must commit to annual cost reductions even if your materials and labor costs are rising. You must also participate in the company's product development program and significantly improve quality. In return, you participate in Harley's success. And suppliers trip over themselves to join the club. Harley-Davidson is this year's Medal of Professional Excellence winner, continuing a long and proud tradition. Congratulations to the biker kings.