American Racing Equipment Receives ISO 14001 Certification; Leading Aftermarket Wheel Manufacturer Committed to Environmental Leadership

    RANCHO DOMINGUEZ, Calif.--Oct. 30, 2002--American Racing Equipment today announced that the company has been awarded ISO 14001 certificate of registration for its environmental management system.
    American Racing Equipment's Rancho Dominguez operation, which is also ISO 9001 certified, represents the first company in the aftermarket wheel sector to achieve this certification.
    ISO 14001, an international standard for environmental management systems, provides a framework for managing environmental impact, similar to the way in which the ISO 9000 standard addresses issues of product or service quality. The International Standards Organization (ISO) awards the 14001 certification to companies whose environmental management systems conform to specified requirements and demonstrate a serious commitment to ensuring that company operations do not harm the environment.
    The voluntary certification process required the complete commitment by all American Racing Equipment's personnel, from management to on-site staff and is part of an ongoing effort of the company to protect the health and safety of employees, customers and neighbors.
    "American Racing Equipment is proud to be a part of a select group of companies whose practices convey the dedication to preserving the global environment," said Robert Hange, president of American Racing Equipment. "Beyond pollution prevention and waste reduction, environmental protection also makes good business sense."
    "Our environmental management system (EMS) reduces business liability and provides savings through improved internal management methods and process development, complimenting our focus on quality and ensuring a sustained environment for continuous operations," he said. "And, finally, as good corporate citizens, we are able to attract higher-quality employees, stakeholders, subcontractors and suppliers."
    American Racing Equipment has a dedicated staff of four full-time employees focusing on environmental services. The core elements of the company's EMS include establishing and maintaining environmental policy; meeting legal requirements and setting objectives and targets; implementing training and communication programs; monitoring compliance and taking corrective and preventive action, and providing for regular management review to ensure the system's continuing effectiveness.

    About American Racing Equipment

    Founded in 1956, American Racing Equipment is one of the world's largest aftermarket wheel manufacturers. Its product lines include well-respected name brands such as American Racing Wheels, Epic, Motegi Racing and RJ DeVera's signature line, Ro_Ja. Owned today by Noranda Inc., an international natural resources company, American Racing Equipment sells and promotes its products and brands in more than 30 countries and through a network of more than 45,000 dealers in the United States.
    With headquarters in Rancho Dominguez, American Racing Equipment sets the industry standard in craftsmanship, innovation, and performance, with more than 100 precision-crafted alloy wheel styles. For more information on American Racing Equipment, log onto www.americanracing.com.