On-site consultants · Nashville · Memphis · Knoxville · Chattanooga · Jackson · Tri-Cities
OEM Supplier Development for Tennessee Manufacturers
When your Tier one and Tier two suppliers underperform, your production schedule, your customer commitments, and your OEM contracts pay the price. Tennessee MEP consultants work on-site with your suppliers to close performance gaps before they become your problem.
We start with a no cost Gemba walk. No commitment required.
Recognize These Supplier Challenges?
If any of these describe your Tier one or Tier two supplier relationships, Tennessee MEP supplier development may be the right next step.
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Your Tier one or Tier two suppliers are failing OEM audits or producing nonconforming parts on a recurring basis
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Supplier scorecards are trending in the wrong direction and corrective action requests are piling up
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Delivery windows are being missed and your production schedule is absorbing the impact
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Suppliers lack the internal problem-solving skills to identify root causes and prevent recurrence
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Your suppliers need training aligned to your specific standards and scorecard requirements — not a generic quality curriculum
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You have added a new supplier relationship and need to bring existing Tier one and Tier two suppliers up to a new set of requirements quickly
Proven Track Record
Custom Programs Built Around Your OEM's Standards
Tennessee MEP consultants don't deliver off-the-shelf training. Every Tier one and Tier two supplier development engagement is built around what you actually require — your specific audit criteria, scorecard metrics, and process standards. The goal is suppliers who meet your bar, not a generic quality standard.
Since 2016, Tennessee MEP has delivered supplier development programs for Nissan's supply chain across the U.S. — with workshops covering PFMEA, 8D problem solving, and Firewall methodology, aligned to Nissan's quality standards.
60+
On-site workshops delivered
2016
Program launch with Nissan
1000s
Supplier employees trained
OEM Supplier Development, Explained
What is OEM supplier development?
OEM supplier development is the process of improving the performance, capabilities, and alignment of Tier one and Tier two suppliers to meet the specific quality, delivery, and process standards required by an original equipment manufacturer. It typically involves on-site consulting, structured workshops, and improvement plans built around the OEM's actual scorecard requirements and audit expectations.
How does Tennessee MEP help with OEM supplier development?
The Tennessee MEP support process follows three phases: First, Tennessee MEP consultants assess the supplier's current performance gaps against OEM requirements — reviewing quality records, delivery data, and process controls. Second, consultants deliver on-site workshops and structured improvement plans targeting the specific gaps identified, covering topics such as root cause analysis, PFMEA, 8D problem solving, internal auditing to OEM specifications, and supplier scorecard improvement. Third, consultants support sustainment by helping suppliers build the systems and habits needed to maintain performance over time. Every engagement is custom-built around the OEM's specific standards and expectations.
What workshop topics does Tennessee MEP cover in supplier development?
Tennessee MEP consultants deliver workshops covering root cause analysis, risk-based thinking, problem solving and containment, PFMEA, 8D problem solving, Firewall methodology, internal auditing to OEM specifications, and supplier scorecard improvement. Programs are custom-built to the specific standards, processes, and expectations of the OEM — not off-the-shelf training content.
Does Tennessee MEP have experience with automotive OEM supplier programs?
Yes. Since 2016, Tennessee MEP consultants have delivered supplier development programs for Nissan's supply chain, with workshops covering PFMEA, 8D problem solving, and Firewall methodology aligned to Nissan's quality standards. Over 60 on-site workshops have been completed, reaching thousands of supplier employees across the U.S.
What results can manufacturers expect from OEM supplier development?
You can expect improvements in supplier scorecard ratings, fewer nonconforming parts, stronger audit performance, and more consistent on-time delivery. The goal is a supply chain that performs reliably to your standards without requiring constant intervention from your team — suppliers that are capable, accountable, and aligned to your requirements over the long term.
Ready to Get Started?
Tennessee MEP consultants can assess your supplier performance gaps and build a custom improvement plan aligned to your OEM's requirements.
We start with a no cost Gemba walk — no commitment required.
Build a Supply Chain Your OEM Can Count On
Tennessee MEP consultants work on-site across the state — ready to help you close supplier performance gaps and meet OEM expectations.