Sustainability in a materials world

Lynn Torrel has been in the post of chief procurement and supply chain officer at EMS/ODM, Flex, since October 2019, and is responsible for materials management, transportation and logistics, and the strategic supply chain. She joined after an 18-year career at Avnet United and Avnet Velocity; she was president from September 2018, having also worked in semiconductor business development and in logistics at EBV Elektronik in Germany.

Torrel started at the company three months before the Covid-19 pandemic. The disruption to the global supply chain meant the electronics manufacturer had to deal with “severe semiconductor and component shortages, freight and logistics challenges, and deep concern for the safety and welfare of our 170,000 employees around the world.

“We saw some industries almost come to a halt, while others, like the medical device sector, saw unprecedented demand for respiratory products including ventilators,” she says.

Although the company makes a range of medical equipment it had never produced a ventilator before 2019. But between April and December 2020 it produced more than 50,000 units, “making Flex the largest non-captive manufacturer of ventilators in the world during the pandemic”, Torrel adds.

Delivering through the pandemic was challenging, but Torrel believes it elevated the entire profession as a critical business function. “Supply chains now get a seat at the table in strategy meetings because we have learned through the pandemic that a better supply chain strategy and setup can become a strategic and competitive differentiator for customers.”

Sustainability

In 2021, Flex launched its 2030 sustainability strategy and goals as part of its mission to make products that contribute positively to the world and “steward sustainable manufacturing and operations practices to minimise environmental impact”. The plan represented its most ambitious targets to date, says Torrel.

“Each of our suppliers is required to have effective management systems in place to address social and environmental aspects of their business, as well as to mitigate potential risks. We employ due diligence to ensure these systems are effective and well-maintained.

“Our supply chain assessment programme for preferred suppliers provides an opportunity to ensure our partners are compliant with environmental and social requirements. These audits are aligned with the Responsible Business Alliance code of conduct and incorporate requirements from our customers, as well as our own rigorous standards.”

The company has also created the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction initiative as part of a broader supplier sustainability programme.

“We are using the Carbon Disclosure Project’s (CDP) climate change questionnaire to guide our suppliers in managing their environmental impacts and setting measurable goals for improvement,” she explains. The company has provided webinars and one-to-one meetings to share information on calculating emissions and setting achievable goals. The goal is for 50% of preferred suppliers to set emissions targets by 2025.

The dialogue included webinars to suppliers, coaching them on how to start their emissions calculations, how to define a target and how to use CDP’s platform. “In addition, we conducted more than 60 individual meetings with suppliers who required more support to be able to disclose their progress on time,” says Torrel.

Within the first year of the programme, 60% of preferred suppliers have disclosed operational emissions, 29% have disclosed GHG emissions reduction targets and 7% have a renewable energy target.

A renewable energy survey will task targeted suppliers to analyse renewable energy in their processes. “We strongly encourage our supply chain partners to see a link between the critical role renewable energy will play in achieving increased business,” says Torrel.

In order for the company to meet its pledge to halve operational emissions by 2030, it is focusing on reducing energy consumption, improving infrastructure and systems efficiency and using renewable energy sources to reduce emissions from the energy needed for our business, she continues.

“This means upgrading components and processes across our footprint to make facilities more efficient and that includes air conditioning, lights, electrical distribution and production equipment, expanding site renewable resource installations, or buying renewable energy generated from power sources such as solar, wind, and any other source that is deemed as renewable.

“While these are the areas that we’re targeting, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to every region, country or even site. Countries have varying climate agendas, so finding the right mix of the three strategies is important to our success,” she concedes.

Workplace diversity

Torrel established ‘panel’ interviews in the company, with colleagues and peers interviewing a job candidate. A panel interview, she says, allows for colleagues to evaluate things such as team chemistry and she believes the format generates more meaningful interview discussions and questions. “It not only allows us to select the best candidate, but can also give interviewees a better chance to evaluate whether they’d enjoy working with us, too,” she points out.

The team that reports directly to her is an equal split of men and women, she declares, with five of the eight team members hired under her leadership.

Torrel is an executive sponsor for the SheLeads programme, designed to accelerate the development of diverse female leaders at the company. Each year a cohort of high potential female team members are invited to join the nine-month programme.

She also participates in a mentoring programme within Flex and serves on the board of Women in Electronics.

Future females at Flex

Torrel hopes other women will enter the profession. Her advice for all young women is to “just jump in” and “don’t let fear hold you back”.

She encourages women to be a part of the industry. “There are so many exciting opportunities available for you to help shape the future. The world needs your unique voice, perspective, and contribution,” she says.

The popular perception is that electronics manufacturing and supply chain are both male-dominated fields, but that’s slowly changing.

For anyone, and young women in particular, thinking of entering the world of electronics manufacturing and supply chain she suggests the following advice: “Don’t get too far ahead and don’t beat yourself up. Focus on how you can make the most of your current situation and achievements and it will naturally tee you up for future success.

“Be prepared, be confident and be yourself. When things go awry, just remember that everyone is human, and we all make mistakes. Enjoy and learn from them.

“Don’t be afraid to take risks. In life, you’ll find that the greatest achievements are born from great risks. Pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone is one of the best things you can do for your personal or career development. Once you open yourself up to ‘I’ll try anything’ the world becomes your oyster.

“Ask lots of questions, be open-minded, observant, listen (really listen), and always embrace being a life-long learner.

“Finally, trust your instincts. Self-awareness and a strong moral compass will serve you well throughout your life and career.”