Cascade Engineering Receives First-Ever Accreditation

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Feb. 24, 2005 -- Cascade Engineering today announced that, for the first time ever, one of its business groups has received industry accreditation.

The Grand Rapids, Mich.-based plastics injection molder said the Materials Engineering Group of the Cascade Engineering Center For Innovation has been recognized for significant work in the areas of mechanical and chemical testing by the American Association for Lab Accreditation (A2LA).

The Materials Engineering Group has been specifically cited for its work in competent testing and calibration laboratories, inspection bodies, proficiency testing and reference material production. During their 27-year history, the A2LA certification (Mechanical and Chemical, C1 or C2 Level designation) has been given to just nine organizations in Michigan. The accreditation process included an extensive audit of the Materials Engineering Group in 2004.

"Our goal as an organization is engineering excellence," said John Kundrat, Cascade Engineering vice president of technology. "This recognition is a great achievement for our Materials Engineering Group, as it demonstrates our resolve to improve speed to market in the ever-changing product development process. We are extremely pleased with the audit results, as they confirm our commitment to providing innovative solutions that empower customer success."

Quality Systems Management, Inc., Cascade's registrar and audit team, performed lab-specific testing on November 3 and 4 of last year. The audit group tested methods, procedures, forms, work instructions, proficiency checks, traceability, personnel qualifications and lab policies.

Cascade Engineering employees were questioned, documents were reviewed, and the report showed that Cascade Engineering's programs are both effective and impressive. The audit concluded with zero major and four minor findings -- an outstanding result for an external audit.

For over 30 years, Cascade Engineering has emphasized sustainable business practices, investing equally in social, environmental and financial capital. The Company has received many environmental stewardship awards, including several Clean Corporate Citizen Awards from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

About Cascade Engineering: Cascade Engineering is shaping ideas in plastics through the development, engineering and manufacturing of plastics products. The Company is a leader in engineered plastic systems and components for the solid waste, automotive and industrial markets. The Company also produces components for OEM customers as well as Cascade Engineering branded products. Cascade Engineering is also widely recognized for its sustainable business and management practices. The Cascade Engineering Family of Companies employs more than 1,200 people -- approximately 750 in the Grand Rapids area.