To All
Xicor Achieves QS 9000 Automotive Quality Standard
MILPITAS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 10, 1996--Xicor, Inc. (Nasdaq-NMS:XICO) today announced that it has been awarded the QS 9000 certification which was jointly developed by General Motors, Ford and Chrysler. Xicor is one of the first semiconductor companies to be
awarded the coveted QS 9000 automotive joint quality certification.
"Achieving QS 9000 certification is a significant milestone for Xicor," said Raphael Klein, Xicor's President. "To improve competitiveness, the `big three' US based automakers jointly developed
the QS 9000 Quality Standard to define the specific requirements for suppliers doing business with the domestic automotive industry. We believe that meeting this stringent standard significantly enhances Xicor's business position within the automotive industry."
QS 9000 Certification is the latest achievement of Xicor's Total Quality continuous improvement program. This program began in 1989 with the implementation of statistical process control (SPC)
and the use of statistical techniques and methodologies. Further progress was made by the formation of cross functional councils which reviewed internal systems and monitored their progress. This led to Xicor receiving Ford Motor Company's prestigious Q1 quality award in
1992 and the ISO 9001 certification in 1995. "Participation in `dock-to-stock' and self-certification programs further illustrates Xicor's continuous improvement initiatives," concluded
Klein.
The QS 9000 certification process is a recognized quality system review program tailored to the unique needs of the domestic automotive industry. It includes additional quality requirements beyond the ISO 9001 quality system standard and gives evidence that the company's Quality Operating Systems meet the most stringent independently verified quality requirements known in the industry.
QS 9000 was developed by General Motors, Ford and Chrysler to replace their individual quality systems standards, supplier quality assurance manuals and goals set for excellence programs. It is based on ISO 9001 but has additional quality requirements specific to the automotive industry. Along with quality systems procedures, it includes advanced quality planning, business planning, failure mode evaluation and analysis, new part approval and gauge management.
Xicor develops and manufactures a broad line of in-the-system programmable semiconductor integrated circuits which retain information even when system power is lost or turned off.
In-the-system programmability enables telecommunications, consumer, computer, industrial, automotive and military products to adapt to changing software and operating environments, and to be personalized by the user. Many of Xicor's products consume little power and operate well from a battery powered source, making them ideal for hand-held portable applications.
Xicor products are used by manufacturers of electronic products throughout the world, with approximately half of Xicor's sales being exported. Xicor products are supported by regional technical sales offices located in the USA, Europe, Japan and South Korea, and by independent sales representatives and electronic component distributors.
Xicor emphasizes the development of proprietary products which incorporate its programmable technology, enabling customers to rapidly bring to market products with improved features, efficiency and maintainability.
In 1995, Xicor introduced to market the industry's first SerialFlash Memory product family, operating from low voltage power sources. Xicor is a leading supplier of E2PROM memory products and E2POT digitally controlled potentiometers.
Xicor's headquarters and principal manufacturing facilities are located in Milpitas, Calif. Xicor has received the Underwriters Laboratories Certification of Compliance with the ISO 9001 quality
standard and the joint automotive QS 9000 quality standard.
Xicor's product, corporate and financial information is readily accessible on the World Wide Web at xicor.com.
CONTACT: Xicor, Inc.
Julius Blank, 408/432-8888 ext. 3710
or
Cain Communications
Mark Alden, 408/291-2586
aldenmark@aol.com |
