Microchip Achieves New International ISO/TS-16949 Quality Certification
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Microchip Technology Achieves ISO/TS-16949 Quality Certification,
Is One of the Earliest Semiconductor Companies to Pass Stringent Requirements
Microchip Demonstrates Its World-Class Quality Systems and Culture of Continuous Improvement to Meet Automotive Industry Requirements – Product Quality Benefits Extend to All Customers
CHANDLER, Ariz., Dec. 8, 2003 [NASDAQ: MCHP] — Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, today announced that it has received the International Organization for Standards/Technical Specification (ISO/TS)-16949:2002 Certification, which demonstrates that its quality systems meet the newest and most stringent industry quality-management system standards, resulting in high-quality semiconductor products. Microchip is one of the earliest semiconductor companies in the world to achieve this new certification, which has been endorsed by most of the major automotive manufacturers in the U.S. and Europe, and will replace all existing automotive-industry quality standards in these regions by 2006.
The ISO/TS-16949 Certification, coupled with customer-specific mandates, defines the quality-system and global-registration requirements for the international automotive supply chain. In addition, this certification eliminates the need for multiple automotive-supplier quality certifications in the U.S. and Europe.
In order to achieve this certification, Microchip demonstrated top-notch quality systems in the areas of: customer satisfaction, process analysis and improvement, product development, supply chain development, employee motivation and management/organizational performance. This was measured through an exhaustive, independent audit conducted by Det Norske Veritas Certification, Inc. (DNV). Effective immediately, Microchip’s facilities in Chandler, AZ, Tempe, AZ, Mountain View, CA and Bangkok, Thailand are all ISO/TS-16949 certified.
“Attaining ISO/TS-16949 Certification demonstrates to all of our customers that Microchip produces semiconductors and development systems of consistently high quality through a culture of continuous improvement,” said Dan Termer, vice president of Microchip Technology’s Automotive Products Group. “In particular, this achievement reconfirms that Microchip meets the exacting standards required by the international automotive industry, which helps us to continue serving the needs of this market.”
For more information on Microchip’s complete line of semiconductor and development-system solutions for automotive electronics and embedded systems, please visit . For pricing or information on Microchip’s complete product line, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit
ISO/TS-16949:2002
ISO/TS is an ISO Technical Specification. The International Automotive Task Force (IATF), which consists of an international group of vehicle manufacturers, plus national trade associations, wrote ISO/TS-16949:2002 in conjunction with the ISO. This specification aligns existing American (QS-9000), German (VDA6.1), French (EAQF) and Italian (AVSQ) automotive quality system standards within the global automotive industry.
Together with ISO 9001:2000, ISO/TS-16949 specifies the quality system requirements for the design/development, production, installation and servicing of automotive related products. In addition, there are customer-specific requirements that are mandated by individual subscribing vehicle manufacturers.
ISO/TS-16949 does not replace the existing quality system requirements. Along with customer-specific requirements, ISO/TS-16949 has been accepted as an equivalent to QS-9000, VDA6.1, AVSQ, and EAQF. However, ISO/TS-16949 will be the surviving standard that will replace QS-9000 by 2006. In addition, ISO/TS-16949 will eliminate the need for multiple certifications in the U.S. and Europe.
IATF participating members include: BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Fiat, Ford Motor Company, General Motors (including Opel and Vauxhall), PSA Peugeot Citroen, Renault SA, Volkswagen and its respective trade associations, AIAG (U.S.), ANFIA (Italy), FIEV (France), SMMT (U.K.), and VDA (Germany). Daimler Chrysler requires ISO/TS-16949 by July 1, 2004. Ford and GM require ISO/TS-16949 by December 14, 2006.
Microchip Technology Inc.
Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP) is a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, providing low-risk product development, lower total system cost and faster time to market for thousands of diverse customer applications worldwide. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at
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