Marietta Headquarters and Technology Center Achieves New ISO Certification

On Friday, September 5, 2003, Columbian`s Marietta Headquarters and Technology Center became the most recent CCC location to become certified to ISO`s newest standard, ISO 9001:2000. As a result, Marietta becomes the eleventh Columbian location to achieve this quality designation.

The certification means Marietta has instituted processes that meet and exceed requirements as defined by ISO, an international standards organization. These processes enable the Marietta office to establish improved methodologies for planning, implementation, monitoring and measuring. In the business environment today, it is critical for Columbian to obtain this certification not only because a growing number of our customers require it of their suppliers, but also because we must continuously improve to remain competitive and profitable.

During the audit, the ISO auditor found zero nonconformities. According to Richard Randolph, Global Director of Quality Assurance, "This is the first registration for this facility to an ISO standard. The fact that there were no nonconformities to the standard is outstanding. The efforts and commitment by all involved is greatly appreciated and is to be commended."

"I would like to extend special thanks to David Bourque for his intense effort in establishing the foundation, procedures, and documentation for ISO 9001:2000 in each of the areas involved and for his audit preparation work. It is unlikely that we would have achieved this certification without his support," Randolph added.

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