Chennai, November 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ – Ashok Leyland, flagship of the Hinduja Group, today received the prestigious 2016 Deming Prize for its Pantnagar manufacturing facility. The Deming Prize is a global quality award and is the oldest and most widely recognized quality award in the world. This prize is awarded to companies that have established Total Quality Management (TQM) in their business operations. Ashok Leyland Pantnagar has become the first truck and bus plant in the world and also the only CV manufacturer outside of Japan to win the Deming Prize.

Receiving the Deming Prize in Japan, Mr Vinod K Dasari, Managing Director, Ashok Leyland, said - "It is indeed a proud moment for all of us at Ashok Leyland to receive this coveted prize. Being the first Truck and Bus Plant in the world and the only CV manufacturer outside of Japan to win this prize, adds another feather to company's achievements of delivering industry firsts. Housing the latest technology and processes, our Pantnagar plant is a fully-integrated plant capable of manufacturing all future-ready products across trucks and buses. Consistent quality, technology, innovation and robust processes are the pillars which have helped us garner international recognition, customer satisfaction, and help us deliver on our brand promise of 'Aapki Jeet, Hamari Jeet'."

According to Mr R Sivanesan, Senior Vice President – Quality, Sourcing and Supply Chain, Ashok Leyland, "We at Ashok Leyland have always focused intensely on quality processes and customer oriented approach with efficient people management. With large and strategic investments in technology and quality, and a young and energetic workforce, the establishment of the Pantnagar plant was an important step in our ambition to become a world-leader in the global commercial vehicle industry. Being the youngest plant of Ashok Leyland, it is a great pleasure for us to be recognised with the prestigious Deming Prize 2016 for excellence in TQM. Our Pantnagar plant has set a benchmark that we have to live up to and strive continually to reach higher goals and conquer new frontiers."