DEARBORN, MI---Ford Motor Co. was named Corporation of the Year by the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC) this week. This is the second year in a row Ford has received the award, which recognizes an automaker's commitment to developing and growing a diverse supply base.

Last year, Ford exceeded its supplier diversity sourcing goals by purchasing $4.1 billion in goods and services from its tier-one minority- and women-owned business enterprises in the United States.

In addition to Ford, Purchasing Executive Director Burt Jordan was named a President's Award winner. Jordan is in charge of global vehicle and powertrain purchasing.

"Our company takes very seriously its commitment to developing and growing a diverse supply base," says Tony Brown, group vice president, Ford Global Purchasing.

Ford's 2010 diversity sourcing figure of $4.1 billion is an increase from $2.7 billion in 2009. It reflects higher vehicle production volumes, expanded sourcing to existing suppliers, and the addition of several new minority- and women-owned businesses.

In addition, Ford's tier-one suppliers spent $1.29 billion with tier-two minority- and women-owned businesses in 2010, an increase from 2009 of $1.02 billion. The $4.1 billion spent in 2010 surpasses Ford's annual goal of sourcing more than 10% of its U.S. production and nonproduction business with diverse suppliers.