Arvin Exhaust Thailand Receives QS9000 Certification

3 March 2000

Arvin Exhaust Thailand Receives QS9000 Certification

    COLUMBUS, Ind.--March 3, 2000--Arvin Industries today announced that its OE Exhaust Division's operation, Arvin Exhaust Thailand (AET), has received QS9000 certification. Underwriter's Laboratories (UL) completed the audit in October 1999 and awarded the certification on January 26. AET, which manufactures complete assemblies for leading automotive companies, is the first Arvin facility in Asia to receive QS9000 certification.
    "Receiving QS9000 certification has not only demonstrated our ability to meet the highest quality standards for our customers, but reflects our commitment to continuously improve our operations. Significantly, this designation comes only one month after AET received its first Arvin Total Quality Production System (ATQPS) certification, which is Arvin Industries' internal program to improve production processes through lean production, elimination of waste and greater employee involvement," said Sam Ruth, Managing Director, AET.
    "Also, by maintaining our QS9000 certification and continuing to implement ATQPS principles," Ruth continued, "Arvin Exhaust Thailand will be in position to take full advantage of Asia's improving economics."
    In January, AET was awarded a contract with BMW Thailand for its 3 series model, taking advantage of Arvin's joint venture with German automotive exhaust manufacturer Zuena Starker. AET is importing BMW components from Zuena Starker's facility in South Africa and completing assembly in Thailand.
    AET is currently one of only four sequence suppliers to Auto Alliance Thailand (Ford/Mazda JV), making deliveries every forty minutes. The customer/supplier relationship with Auto Alliance Thailand began early in 1996 when both companies started construction on their respective facilities, located less than one mile apart. The decision to build the Thailand facility was based on Arvin's commitment to one of the key corporate strategies, "Globalize with Key Customers."
    AET operates its facility in Rayong, two hours south of Bangkok. The primary operations at this plant are to cut and bend tubing, manufacture mufflers, weld assemblies and run small to medium stamping. AET is one of four sequence suppliers to Auto Alliance Thailand. AET customers include BMW, Ford Motor Company Philippines, Volvo and Chrysler.
    Arvin Industries, Inc., is a global manufacturer of automotive components with over 60 manufacturing facilities and 6 technical centers located in 22 countries. Arvin is a leading manufacturer of automotive exhaust systems; ride control products; air, oil and fuel filters; and gas charged lift supports. Our products are sold under various trademarks including Arvin, Maremont, Timax, ANSA and ROSI exhaust systems; Gabriel and RydeFX shock absorbers; Purolator filters; and StrongArm gas charged lift supports.
    For more information on Arvin Industries via the Internet, visit our Corporate Home Page at http://www.arvin.com or our Corporate News on the Net site at http://www.businesswire.com/cnn/arv.shtml. For information via fax, please call our News On Demand service at 888-622-1161.