Nov. 7, 2006 — Republic Engineered Products, Inc. announced that all of its operations have achieved certification to the ISO/TS 16949:2002 quality specification.

Production of all Republic products is now covered under the ISO/TS 16949:2002 certification, including the company’s steelmaking centers in Canton and Lorain, Ohio, and value-added rolling and finishing facilities in Canton, Lorain and Massillon, Ohio; Lackawanna, N.Y.; Gary, Ind.; and Hamilton, Ontario. Administrative and support activities at the company's headquarters in Fairlawn also are covered under the certification.

"In today's global economy, quality and consistency are vitally important," said Jaime Vigil, President and CEO. "Republic's commitment to achieve certification to ISO/TS 16949 emphasizes our dedication to providing quality SBQ products to the automotive industry. The certification proves our processes are effectively addressing our customers' requirements and expectations."

The ISO/TS 16949 specification, which is replacing QS 9000, specifies the quality system requirements for the design/development and production of automotive products. ISO/TS 16949 was developed by the International
Automotive Task Force (IATF) in conjunction with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Republic customers Daimler-Chrysler, Ford and General Motors have requested their suppliers achieve certification to ISO/TS 16949.

Republic Engineered Products is one of the largest North American suppliers of special bar quality (SBQ) steel. With headquarters in Fairlawn, Ohio, the privately owned company operates steelmaking centers in Canton and Lorain, Ohio, and value-added rolling and finishing facilities in Canton, Lorain and Massillon, Ohio; Lackawanna, N.Y.; Gary, Ind.; and Hamilton, Ontario. Republic employs approximately 2,500 people.