Portage Electric Awarded New ISO Certification

N. CANTON, Ohio, Jan. 4, 2007 -- Portage Electric Products, Inc., a manufacturer of miniature thermostats and thermal controls, has been awarded ISO 9001:2000 With Design Certification. This award was made by ISO auditor Smithers Quality Assessments, Inc. The audit certified that Portage Electric's quality program met all the manufacturing documentation requirements of ISO 9001, as well as the Continuous Improvement criteria of the 2000 program. The additional "With Design" designation means that Portage has incorporated design controls into everything they do.

According to Portage CEO Brandon Wehl, "When we decided to pursue ISO quality certification, we wanted to make sure that our processes and procedures resulted in quality performance and continuous improvement that would make a difference for our customers. We subsequently added the processes necessary to receive the full ISO 9001:2000 With Design certification." Mr. Wehl went on to note that Portage has been able to establish high quality levels despite the fact that virtually every one of their products is customized in some way to better meet customer needs.

Portage Electric Products, Inc. designs and manufactures the broadest line of miniaturized thermostats and thermal controls in the industry. These products are used as safety devices in appliances, battery packs, lighting, electronic and automotive products and are marketed under the Pepi(R) brand name. Portage has established an enviable reputation for quality and reliability in over 40 years of operation.

Portage Electric Products, Inc. was established in North Canton, Ohio in 1963 by Glenn Wehl, Sr. as an electrical consulting firm. They branched into manufacturing in the late 1960's at the request of one customer and still manufacture products for that customer more than 40 years later. The company is currently owned and managed by the third generation of the Wehl family. Portage Electric Products employs over 200 people at their North Canton headquarters and manufacturing plants. Pepi(R) brand products are also manufactured in Germany, Mexico and China. For more information contact: Portage Electric Products, Inc., 7700 Freedom Ave., N.Canton, OH 44720. Phone: 330-499-2727 or toll-free 1-800-GO4-PEPI (464-7374). Visit: www.pepiusa.com or e-mail info@pepiusa.com.