As one of the first U.S. custom gearing suppliers to achieve ISO 9002 certification in 1994, Columbia Gear continues its role of industry leadership with the announcement that it has been awarded ISO/TS-16949:2002 certification, achieved through audited performance in meeting the new international automotive quality standards. As part of its ongoing commitment to total quality management, Columbia Gear’s TS certification positions the company as one of few custom gearing suppliers to have achieved this premiere level of integrated production and process quality.
The company’s decision to seek what many regard as the world’s most stringent quality certification is in keeping with Columbia Gear’s long-standing strategic philosophy. "Columbia Gear has always emphasized the importance of being customer-driven," according to Ray Davidson, vice president of quality. "So, for us, this was the next logical step in responding to our automotive customers’ needs, as well as continuing to demonstrate a real commitment to reliable quality, from design through assembly, for all of our customers.
"Adding TS-16949 to our existing certifications, and being among the earliest group of gearing suppliers to achieve it, continues our tradition of cutting-edge performance and gives our customers the assurance they’re working with a proven, world-class supplier," Davidson adds.
Created to meet the quality requirements of automotive manufacturers worldwide, ISO/TS-16949 is the result of cooperation among members of the International Automotive Task Force (IATF). Members from 12 nations–including GM, Ford, and DaimlerChrysler–participated in the development of this single registration scheme to standardize requirements for the American, European, and Asian automotive industries. The new standard is based on ISO 9001:2000, AVSQ (Italian), EAQF (French), QS-9000 (U.S.), and VDA6.1 (German) automotive requirements.
Columbia Gear provides some of the world’s largest OEMs with integrated solutions in custom gearing, from design to manufacturing of custom spur and helical gears, gearbox assemblies, and related products. Its state-of-the-art, 170,000 square foot plant is located just 70 miles northwest of Minneapolis.
For more information contact Davidson at (320) 356-7301 ext. 309, or via e-mail at rayd@columbiagear.com. Visit their Web site at [www.columbiagear.com].
