Cobasys Achieves ISO/TS 16949 Global Automotive Supplier Certification
Orion, Mich., August 11, 2005 -- Cobasys, a leader in advanced Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery system solutions today announced that it successfully completed the registration process and has achieved ISO/TS 16949 certification. ISO/TS 16949 has become the required standard for global automakers that are awarding new contracts only to suppliers that have achieved this certification.
The ISO/TS 16949 standard, published in March, 2002 by the International Automotive Task Force, focuses on continuous improvement to reduce costs in automotive manufacturing. This standard, along with customer-specific requirements defines quality system requirements for use in the automotive supply chain around the world. ISO/TS 16949 was developed to eliminate the need for automotive suppliers to register their quality management systems to multiple standards required by the international auto companies. The standard specifies quality system requirements for the design and development, product installation and servicing of automotive-related products. The certification process emphasizes defect prevention and reduction of variation and waste in the supply chain. Registration to ISO/TS 16949 is essential to securing global automotive business.
Cobasys� certification has been recommended for both their manufacturing and quality systems and will require the company to continually develop and improve in all areas - ensuring that they continue to stay at the forefront of quality standards in the industry.
�We are thrilled to have achieved ISO/TS 16949 certification,� said James Greiwe, Vice President of Manufacturing. �Our entire organization has worked extremely hard to meet this objective, which is a requirement for today�s global marketplace. As a result of our quality initiatives, we have witnessed increased efficiencies and customer satisfaction. This will further strengthen Cobasys� competitive advantages in all of our markets and we believe will increase demand for our advanced battery system solutions worldwide.�
Greiwe further stated that, �ISO/TS 16949 is one of the toughest and most rigorous industry standards in the world. Achieving it was very demanding and the final approval for certification came only after external auditors had spent several days investigating and approving every aspect and area of our business."
Michael Paruszkiewicz, C.Q.M., Corporate Quality Manager at Cobasys stated, "We are among the first in our industry to achieve this certification. It further enhances our impressive list of other planned certifications that include registration and accreditation to ISO-9001 and TL-9000 in addition to ISO-17025. Even more important is our genuine dedication and focus on continuous process improvement, evidenced by the next development steps of our quality management system. This includes the implementation of the Six Sigma toolset and obtaining the Malcolm Baldridge Quality Award. We are a leader in advanced NiMH battery systems and this certification provides yet another competitive edge for our customers and for Cobasys.�
Cobasys designs and manufactures advanced Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery system solutions for transportation markets, including HEV, Electric Vehicles (EV) and 42 volt applications, in addition to Stationary Back-Up power supply systems for Uninterruptible Power Supply systems (UPS), Telecom and Distributed Generation requirements.
Cobasys is a joint venture between Chevron Technology Ventures LLC, a subsidiary unit of Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) and Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ: ENER). For more information about Cobasys contact Ray Wagner, Vice President of Marketing at 248-620-5700 or visit our website at www.Cobasys.com.
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