News Summary
Cooper Standard has been honored as Ford’s Supplier of the Year in Crisis Management at the Ford Supplier Summit held recently. The recognition follows Cooper Standard’s exemplary handling of Hurricane Helene, supporting the local community and maintaining supply chains despite severe disruptions. The company invested significantly in debris clearance and recovery efforts in Spartanburg County while demonstrating operational excellence and commitment to safety.
Spartanburg, South Carolina – Cooper Standard has been honored as the 2024 Ford Supplier of the Year in the Crisis Management category at the Ford Supplier Summit and Awards held on June 4, 2025. This recognition was granted due to Cooper Standard’s exemplary response to the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene, which struck their Spartanburg facility in September 2024.
In reaction to the hurricane, which was noted as the worst storm to impact Spartanburg County, the team at Cooper Standard swiftly activated emergency protocols. This included establishing a command center outside the plant and ensuring ongoing communication with both team members and their customers. The company maintained its commitment to safety throughout the crisis and focused on resuming production under adverse conditions to guarantee an uninterrupted supply to customers.
The immediate and effective response allowed Cooper Standard to keep all customers operational despite the significant property damage caused by the storm. With 68 mph wind gusts leading to downed trees and power lines, the area experienced considerable disruptions but Cooper Standard’s Spartanburg facility managed to navigate these challenges successfully.
As part of their recovery efforts, Cooper Standard spent over $20 million on recovery initiatives in Spartanburg County, primarily focused on debris clearance. Additionally, a community-wide response was initiated, with various local organizations and residents collaborating to support recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene’s damage. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved $15 million in funding for recovery in the region, which was expected to expedite reimbursements.
Cooper Standard’s accomplishment was emphasized by Patrick Clark, the company’s president of sealing systems and chief manufacturing officer, who noted that such an achievement reflects the team’s resilience, dedication, and robust operational excellence. The award demonstrates Cooper Standard’s ability to ensure business continuity and reinforces strong partnerships with customers amidst crises.
Hurricane Helene not only led to infrastructural damages and power outages but also impacted the community significantly. Survivors reported injuries and highlighted the importance of community support networks during recovery. Efforts by local organizations and residents contributed to ongoing assistance for those most affected by the events of the storm, showcasing the bravery and determination of the Spartanburg community.
Cooper Standard, based in Northville, Michigan, is a leading supplier of sealing and fluid handling systems with a workforce of approximately 22,000 team members operating in 20 countries worldwide. Their dedication to improving both business and community outcomes remains a fundamental part of their mission, as demonstrated through their effective crisis management during unforeseen disruptions.
Overall, Ford’s Supplier of the Year awards aim to recognize exceptional performance and commitment from suppliers in supporting Ford Motor Company’s business. The Crisis Management category specifically acknowledges those who exhibit outstanding leadership during unexpected challenges, with Cooper Standard exemplifying those values through their response to Hurricane Helene.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Spartanburg County Update
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene
- WSPA: Hurricane Helene Cleanup Costs
- Google Search: Hurricane Helene recovery Spartanburg
- Greenville Online: Six Months After Helene
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Helene
- WYFF: Spartanburg County Helene Update
- Google News: Hurricane Helene Spartanburg
Author: STAFF HERE NORTHVILLE WRITER
The NORTHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENorthville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Northville, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Summer Concert Series, Tunes on Tuesday, and the Northville Farmers Market. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Northville Chamber of Commerce and Northville Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, software, and retail that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Reliable Software, and Attendance on Demand. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
