Rio Tinto Borates (RTB) received the 2015 Outstanding Performance Supplier Award from Asahi Glass Company (AGC), one of the world’s largest producers of high-tech glass for LCDs, computers, mobile devices and solar panels.

AGC Group CEO Takuya Shimamura presented the award to Michael Le Page, RTB Chief Commercial Officer, during AGC Group’s annual supplier meeting in Tokyo, Japan. RTB was one of five global suppliers recognized at the ceremony.

RTB was recognized for its excellent commercial, technical and R&D services, as well as providing flexible supply chain services with strategic Asian stock points.

“It is uncommon for a foreign company to win this award and a prestigious honor for RTB,” Le Page said. “This special recognition is well deserved for Kenji Shimizu, Peter Henderson and the rest of the Asian Rio Tinto Borates’ team.”

Borates are a key ingredient in AGC Group’s manufacturing of high-quality TFT-LCD glass for computers, tablets, smartphones, LCD TVs and display panels. Other applications include automotive glass, fabricated architectural and decorative glass, and photovoltaic surfaces for solar panels. RTB also is a strategic partner for AGC’s R&D efforts on next-generation image display.

The Asahi Glass Company was founded in 1907 by Toshiya Iwasaki, the second son of the second president of the original Mitsubishi Corporation. AGC succeeded in the first Japanese production of sheet glass. Today, the global leader in TFT-LCD glass and plasma display (PDP) operates in Asia, Europe and the United States in three main business areas: glass, electronics and chemicals.

The Rio Tinto Salt business is a major supplier for AGC Group’s Chemicals Operations, which are expanding in the sectors of chlor-alkali and urethane, and fluorochemicals and specialty chemicals.