Sidenor 2022 Sustainability Report

109 Supplier quality audits enable us to guarantee a reliable supply chain which is in line with our objectives 3. Audits Supplier quality audits allow us to ensure that the supply chain is reliable and aligned with the quality objectives pursued by the organization. In accordance with the Supplier Development, Selection and Registration procedure, we regularly hold meetings and visit our suppliers, thus fostering a good relationship and encouraging their development. Furthermore, we perform regular audits of our material suppliers who are included in the Quality system without being ISO 9001 and IATF16949-certified and encourage them to obtain such certifications. According to the Supplier Audit section of the Supplier Development, Selection and Registration procedure, the Supplies area sets out an annual supplier audit plan based on criteria such as turnover, materials within the quality system, critical nature or lack of alternative, suppliers with non-conformities and suppliers which supply materials or services that might affect Sidenor’s product or process. On the basis of these criteria, we define an annual audit plan so that, within a period of three years, we might audit the main suppliers according to the criteria set in the procedure. In 2022, we audited 115 suppliers with a satisfactory result (121 in 2021, with the same result). We are planning 24 further audits for 2023.