Bekaert Acquires ISO/TS 16949 Certification for Its Automotive Production Plant in Bons-en-Chablais, France
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Certification reinforces Bekaert's leadership as Diamond Like Coatings (DLC) supplier to the European automotive market, underlining its production expansion
Bekaert announced today that it has been certified according to the ISO/TS 16949 standard for its high quality automotive DLC coatings production plant in Bons-en-Chablais, France. The ISO/TS 16949 standard is designed specifically for suppliers in the automotive industry and is a coveted mark of quality and compliance within the industry's best practices. Customers of companies that have attained ISO/TS 16949 are assured of on-time delivery to specific quality and reliability standards.
To meet ISO/TS 16949 standards, a company must develop a quality management system that supports continuous improvement, with the emphasis on eliminating defects and reducing variation and waste in the supply chain. TS 16949 applies to the design, development, production throughout the supply chain, and to the installation and servicing of automotive-related products. Most companies still work with national certifications or with the ISO 9000 certification: however, in recent years the market has increasingly demanded a more complete and internationally recognized regulatory framework. In this context, the ISO/TS 16949 provides a worldwide automotive certification, attributed to companies that comply with fixed production norm standards.
Increased and high volume production at Bons-en-Chablais
With the commencement of high-volume production at Bons-en-Chablais, Bekaert introduced a quality management system, receiving full ISO 9001 certification in 2005. With ISO/TS 16949, Bekaert has now further underlined its status, as a reliable and dedicated partner to the automotive industry. The Bons-en-Chablais plant has recently been expanded with a high volume coating equipment for automotive DLC coatings, in order to comply with the increased demand of their automotive customers. Michael De Maegt, General Manager Bekaert DLC, commented: "We are pleased our plant in France complies with the strict regulations of this certification, especially after its recent expansion. Our close cooperation and interaction with customers have allowed us to grow steadily, while continuously improving quality standards and delivery times."
Solid reputation in coatings for automotive and racing applications
In early 2005, Bekaert entered the automotive sector with Dylyn® Plus automotive coatings, offering the lowest friction coefficient available on the market and based on Bekaert's bestselling Cavidur® coatings for racing engine applications. Where parts lack the necessary surface finish, Bekaert can perform the surface engineering prior to the coating process.
Bekaert is regarded as a high-level market player in the automotive industry worldwide and is planning to expand this ISO/TS 16949 certification to it production plant in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, USA. Michael De Maegt concludes: "Achieving the ISO/TS 16949 for our production plant in France was the first of many milestones in our positioning as a global supplier of automotive DLC coatings. We are equally focused on our development in the US automotive market and we strive to deliver our US customer base the same level of quality assurance and delivery within their time frames. Attaining the same certification for our US plant is the next logical step."
Journalists who are interested in discussing this information with Bekaert management can contact Duomedia Public Relations via Maya Staels at maya.s@duomedia.com to schedule a meeting or (telephone) interview.
About Bekaert
Profile
Bekaert (www.bekaert.com) seeks sustainable profitable growth based on its two core competences: advanced metal transformation and advanced materials and coatings.
Bekaert aims to consolidate its position as both market and technological leader around the world. With its broad range of high technological products, systems and services, Bekaert offers high added value for its customers.
Bekaert (Euronext Brussels: BEKB) is a European based company, headquartered in Belgium, employing 20 400 people. Bekaert, present in 120 countries, generates annual sales of more than 3.4 billion.
The company supplies the Formula 1, Rally, DTM, Formula 3 and NASCAR business with high quality Bekaert Cavidur® coating solutions. The unique composition and structure of Bekaert Cavidur® results in the most reliable surface engineered solutions for highly loaded engine components, increasing lifetime of these parts and significantly decreasing friction losses, providing an excellent adhesion under extreme conditions.
Based on this success and Bekaert's engineering capabilities for high-volume automotive products, Bekaert expanded its range with Bekaert Dylyn® Plus coatings for high-volume automotive solutions. The most reliable and highest performance surface solution available on the market today, Bekaert Dylyn® Plus reduces friction losses, resulting in higher engine output and improved fuel consumption.
Bekaert offers its diamond-like coatings via sales and manufacturing offices in Belgium, France, Germany and United States.
Looking for more information? Just contact
Bekaert
Mr. Mark Boghe,
Product Market Manager Bekaert
T: +32 (0)9 338 59 10,
mark.boghe@bekaert.com
and visit http://www.bekaert.com/bac
Duomedia Public Relations
at maya.s@duomedia.com or info@duomedia.com
Press contacts
Maya Staels
Duomedia Public Relations
T: +32 2 454 85 50
maya.s@duomedia.com
