02/26/2002 – HASSELT, Belgium

TDS automotive is pleased to announce that their K-hall plant in Genk, Belgium has achieved ISO 9002 certification.

The TDS facility in Genk is a shining example of the TDS automotive tier zero concept in operation. Tier zero is a term TDS uses to refer to a new link in the inbound supply chain. It describes TDS position between the Tier One automotive suppliers and the OEM assembly plant allowing each to focus on their primary core competencies. In Genk, TDS automotive provides sub-assembly and sequencing services to seven Tier One suppliers under one roof; feeding twenty-two components directly into the Ford (Mondeo) assembly plant.

This ISO 9002 certification has been made possible thanks to intense efforts from various TDS teams during the last year. This achievement is of particular significance because of the variety of customers involved, and the complexity of the operation.

An action plan has been developed for TDS automotive to work toward meeting the additional requirements for ISO TS 16949 certification in Genk. Certification against this standard is scheduled to be achieved by April 30th 2002.