The Timken Co.'s automotive group has been recommended for certification to ISO/TS 16949:2002. The company's 3rd party registrars made the recommendation after concluding its audits in June of 2004.

The ISO standard specifies the quality system requirements for the design, development, production, installation and servicing of automotive-related products. Developed by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF) in conjunction with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the quality management standard aligns existing American, German, French, Italian and Japanese automotive quality systems standards within the global automotive industry.

"Quality is a core value of The Timken Company," said Stanley V. Williams, Global Manager of Quality Systems for the Automotive Business. "The successful registration of our automotive bearing business' quality management system to ISO/TS 16949:2002 helps to ensure that our customers will continue to receive the products of the highest quality now and well into the future."

This current recommendation to ISO/TS 16949:2002 applies to 21 of the 23 manufacturing locations for tapered, needle and steering products worldwide, as well as the bearing business' support locations in Canton, Ohio and Torrington, Conn. The remaining two facilities — Vierzon and Maromme — located near Paris, France, are currently registered to ISO/TS 16949:1999. The upgrade assessment to the 2002 version is scheduled for fall 2004.

The Timken Co. is a leading global manufacturer of highly engineered bearings and alloy steels and a provider of related products and services with operations in 27 countries. A Fortune 500 company, Timken recorded 2003 sales of $3.8 billion and employed approximately 26,000 at year-end. Timken is the registered trademark of The Timken Co.