Haas Automation, Inc. - ISO 9001:2000 Registration

Haas Automation, Inc., a leader in the design and manufacture of CNC machine tools and accessories, is pleased to announce that it has achieved ISO 9001:2000 registration. The achievement of ISO 9001:2000 registration assures that quality systems have been implemented in all product development, production, shipping and support operations. This certification acknowledges Haas Automation's commitment to meeting the needs and requirements of its customers in the global marketplace.

This registration validates Haas Automation's conformance with the standards set forth by the International Organization for Standardization. ISO 9001:2000 is the most current version of this standard for quality management, quality assurance and continuous improvement; it has been adopted by much of the global business community.

Haas Automation recognized the need for quality management more than ten years ago. At that time, the company was doubling in size every year, and production was being ramped up to meet the rapidly increasing demand. A system was developed to constantly improve the quality of the product and the manufacturing processes, and to efficiently manage the company. All new employees were trained in the system at the time of hire.

Since a quality system was already in place at Haas, achieving ISO 9001 certification was largely a matter of training the employees in ISO procedures, and modifying the existing system to conform to the latest ISO standards. This process began in late 1999. In May 2001, Haas hired Phil Brooks, President of Clydesdale Consulting, to accelerate the process. Mr. Brooks worked with the Haas implementation team to prepare for the registration audit. All ISO training and documentation were completed in October 2001.

TUV Management Systems, a leading provider of management systems certification services, was selected to conduct an assessment of Haas' quality processes and procedures. TUV completed its registration audit of Haas Automation's quality management system on November 29, 2001. Certification was achieved on the first attempt. Following the audit, TUV representatives noted that Haas was unusual in having zero nonconformances –problems that would have to be corrected prior to certification – and said the company received more positive comments than issues to review for the next audit. "Haas turned in an exceptional performance," said Larry Eaves, TUV Regional Manager. "We will use these practices as a benchmark for other companies we work with."

Haas Automation, Inc., 2800 Sturgis Road, Oxnard, CA 93030. Tel: 805-278-1800; Fax: 805-278-2255.