Chrysler Plays Matchmaker

While Internet dating may be en vogue, the Chrysler Group believes better matches are made in person. That's the thinking behind the company's minority supplier Matchmaker program, which provides an opportunity for minority businesses to show their wares to Tier 1 and Chrysler purchasing staffs face to face.

For the third year, Chrysler invited select minority-owned parts companies to attend a daylong trade fair at its Chrysler Technology Center in Auburn Hills, MI.

More than 120 minority-owned companies erected booths to display their products to the more than 1,000 Tier 1 buyers scheduled to attend.

The event, which has generated more than $30 million in contracts for minority businesses over the last three years, assists Tier 1s in meeting the Chrysler Group's mandate of 6% minority-owned content for each supply contract.

The auto maker expects this year's event to generate $20 million in new revenue for minority businesses.

“This provides an opportunity for our first tier suppliers, who sometimes express concerns about finding (minority) suppliers, to fulfill their needs, and we want to make sure we provide that opportunity.” says Jethro Joseph, the Chrysler Group senior manager of diversity supplier development.