Boeing

The Boeing facilities here have become the single largest industrial site in the world to have its operations certified by independent evaluators as meeting the internationally recognized ISO 9000 commercial industrial quality standards.

The company received ISO certification from National Quality Assurance of Acton, Mass., the independent registration company that conducted a week-long audit in December of the Boeing operations here.

"This is a proud moment for our team," said Mike Sears, Boeing president of McDonnell Aircraft and Missile Systems. "ISO 9000 certification is a sign to our customers around the world that this team is serious about delivering quality products and services, and it demonstrates the commitment our workers have to quality and customer satisfaction."

Becoming ISO-certified is part of Boeing efforts to support the U.S. Department of Defense's acquisition reform initiatives. These initiatives are directed at streamlining the acquisition process, improving system capabilities and reducing the cost of development, production and support.

Certification extends to all of the Boeing operations in St. Louis and St. Charles, Mo., including Phantom Works research and development operations and the military aircraft and missile programs based here.

ISO 9000 standards, which emphasize the use of documented, disciplined processes to achieve consistent quality, have been adopted as the national quality standard in more than 100 countries.

Boeing now has 13 sites within its Information, Space and Defense Systems business that have been ISO-certified by independent auditors. These sites include operations in Mesa, Ariz.; Ft. Walton Beach, Fla.; Duluth, Ga.; Shreveport, La; Heath, Ohio; El Paso, Texas; and Anaheim, Canoga Park, Downey, Edwards Air Force Base, Palmdale and Seal Beach, Calif.

Boeing facilities in the St. Louis area cover approximately 10 million square feet with nearly 23,000 employees.

98-33