Sumitomo Corporation of America
Automotive Section Earns Ford Q-1 Award

Detroit, January 2002 - SCOA's Automotive Section #32 became the first SCOA department or section to earn Ford Motor Company's Q-1 Award as a quality supplier. Earning the Q-1 Award designates that our section has 'Preferred Supplier Status,'" said Maureen Young, Account Manager.

Ford gives its award to suppliers who meet certain criteria for quality system, customer service, minority sourcing and contribution in technology analysis. Ford Q1 Certification recognizes supplier facilities and organizations whose quality systems meet stringent prerequisites and those that have achieved a sustained level of excellence in quality and materials management.

Two Ford representatives visited the SCOA Detroit office to present the Q-1 Banner and Plaque. "The Q-1 flag is proudly displayed over the best manufacturing and service facilities in the automotive industry," Ms. Young said. "Throughout the world, the Q-1 logo is recognized as a symbol of supplier excellence."

The section's successfully attained its goal of Q-1 recognition by first completing the necessary requirements for ISO 9002 certification, which defines the Quality Management System of an organization through written procedures and work instructions that are monitored for continuous improvement through quarterly measurable data and preventative corrective action processes.

The section's next goal is to attain ISO 14001 Environmental certification, which is required by Ford effective 2002. ISO 14001 requires an organization to monitor and measure the environmental performance, and consider the environmental impact of its activities, products and services.

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