October 18, 2004-Jobwerx News-BASF's Cellasto Microcellular Polyurethane (MPU) business in North America has upgraded its quality management system from QS-9000:1998 to ISO/TS 16949:2002 certification. The ISO/TS 16949 standards recognize customer satisfaction and continual improvement across all facets of the business.

BASF's Cellasto business manufactures molded microcellular polyurethane parts used as automotive suspension, frame and body-mount components, as well as in other noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) applications for automotive chassis. Certified to the QS-9000 standard since 1994, this upgrade to the ISO/TS 16949 standard marks more than 10 years of continuous quality system certification for BASF's Cellasto microcellular polyurethane business.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) sanctions the ISO/TS16949 technical standard. In addition to customer satisfaction and continual improvement, the standard focuses on a business's ability to comply with customers' requirements worldwide, not just regionally. The ISO/TS 16949 standard includes all facets of ISO 9001:2000 and additional requirements specific to manufacturers across the automotive supply chain.

"This certification further demonstrates BASF's ability to meet our customers' requirements in the increasingly demanding global automotive market," said Bob Jamrog, Business Director for Cellasto in North America. "As a result of this certification, our customers can expect to see a continued improvement in the performance of our products and in our level of service."

Jamrog added that although this certification is the Cellasto business's most recent, it is not the most unique. "In 2002, we achieved the world's first certification to the RC14001 environment, health, and safety technical specification. Certification to ISO/TS 16949 gives further evidence of BASF's dedication to best-in-class performance," he said.

Achieving and maintaining these certifications requires third-party audits of key processes, which are conducted by ABS Quality Evaluations for BASF's Cellasto business. These reviews focus on how these processes meet customer requirements and improve their satisfaction, many times on an individual, customer-by-customer basis.

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