RealTruck Hosts Fourth Annual Supplier Summit

Updated on Oct 22, 2026

Frank Bisciotti
Written by Frank Bisciotti
RealTruck Expert Team
Edited by
 RealTruck Expert Team

On Tuesday, October 6th, 2026, the RealTruck® Procurement Team hosted its Fourth Annual Supplier Summit at the Hilton Midtown Hotel in Guadalajara, Mexico. Hosting 15 suppliers on-site and another 78 suppliers virtually, the event focused on RealTruck’s “Core” suppliers, with whom we aim to forge deeper partnerships as we launch Chapter 3 of our strategic journey.  Key topics shared with our partners included an introduction to Chapter 3, 2027 Plans, and the LEER acquisition.

Executive Leadership Takeaways

The leadership sessions opened with Jorge Benitez highlighting the rapid growth of RealTruck’s operations in Mexico. Attendees heard key strategic insights from across the executive team: CEO Carl-Martin Lindahl unveiled Chapter 3 of our strategic journey, Matt Grau shared the latest M&A developments, Javier Paricio and Vilma Liebler underscored our commitment to quality excellence, and Dan Kusiak delivered essential updates on global sourcing and procurement. 

"Throughout this year’s event, suppliers engaged directly with our procurement leadership, executive team, and site leaders, while gaining firsthand insight into our operations through tours of our Calle 2, Calle 26, and Plataforma facilities. These experiences reinforced the critical role our supplier partners play in supporting our growing footprint in Mexico and across our business. Our strongest supplier relationships will be built with companies that improve our competitiveness, anticipate change, consistently deliver on commitments, and help us grow. We are building the foundation for continued mutual success and long-term growth"
— Dan Kusiak, Senior VP, Global Sourcing and Procurement

Supplier Award Winners

The following Supplier Awards were presented, honoring suppliers who demonstrated excellence across key performance categories.

  •  Supplier of the Year Award:  For excellence in all categories – Accenture

  •  Commercial Value Award:  For excellence in meeting the needs of RealTruck and our customers – Axalta Coating Systems

  •  Innovation Award:  In recognition for the development of new products and services – XK GLOW

  •  Service and Responsiveness Award:  For excellence in proactive account management and customer service – Kloeckner Metals

  •  Quality Award:  For excellence in conformance of materials and services & your dedication to quality - APEX

RealTruck sincerely thanks all of those in attendance on-site and virtually for their participation and looks forward to continued success as partners.

On-Site Summit Supplier Speed Networking

This year, the suppliers that joined us on-site in Guadalajara participated in Speed Networking sessions with Jose Gaxiola-Plataforma Plant Manager; Dan Kusiak-SVP of Global Sourcing & Procurement; Kristin Alafita-VP, Direct Material & Procurement Excellence; Javier Paricio-VP of Global Quality; Shilpa Patel-Sr Director, Indirect Material; and Edgar Garcia-Purchasing Manager MX.  All had an opportunity for introductions, company overviews, and Q&A.

Plant Tours

On Day 2 of the Summit, Wednesday, October 7th, on-site suppliers took guided tours of the Calle 2, Calle 26, and Plataforma facilities, concluding with a traditional taco lunch at Plataforma. All suppliers expressed appreciation for the detailed presentations, tours, showrooms, and time with management.

About RealTruck

RealTruck is the world’s premier accessory manufacturer for truck, Jeep®, Bronco,® and off-road enthusiasts. Globally headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, RealTruck’s 5,000 associates operate from 78 facilities across four continents. RealTruck’s industry-leading product portfolio, which includes the Husky Liners total vehicle protection brand, boasts over 850 patents and pending applications. The company’s omnichannel retail approach delivers a seamless consumer experience online at RealTruck.com, as well as through its 12,000+ dealer network and automotive (OEM) partnerships. For more information, visit www.realtruck.com.