FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Leading Edge Fabricating, Inc. achieves new AS9100 RevC and ISO9001 Certifications

Montague, Michigan - November 2011 - Leading Edge Fabricating, Inc. today announced that the company achieved compliance with the new, stringent AS9100 Rev C quality system requirements for aviation, space, and defense markets. This new revision of AS9100 includes an increased focus on risk management, supplier management controls, on-time delivery, and product conformity measurements, including taking appropriate actions against vendors when planned results are not achieved. The quality audit was conducted by QMI-SAI Global, a leader in management systems registrations for clients throughout the world.

The AS9100 Rev C standard was developed by the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) in order to satisfy internal, government, and regulatory requirements. The goal of the IAQG is to improve product quality and on-time delivery of products. This is accomplished through the cooperative implementation of initiatives intended to make significant improvements in quality and reductions in cost throughout the value stream.

The ISO 9001:2008 certification is an international standard that defines good management practices. It provides a global standard that spells out quality and trust. To meet its requirements, an organization must demonstrate its ability to consistently provide products that meet applicable regulatory requirements and satisfy customer needs.

What is AS9100C?

AS9100 is the quality management system (QMS) standard specific to the aerospace industry. The current version, AS9100:2009 Rev C, is also known as AS9100C, prEN9100:2009, and JIS Q 9100:2009. AS9100:2009 is based on the ISO 9001:2008 standard. Both standards are organized in the same way and use the same numbering system.

AS9100C adds supplementary requirements that apply to the aerospace and defense industries.

These supplementary requirements emphasize areas that have impact on process and service safety, quality and reliability for aerospace and defense products. It is designed to meet the complex and unique demands of the aerospace industry, from commercial aviation to defense and include several additional requirements to ISO 9001 that participating aerospace OEM companies felt were necessary to clearly define their expectations for aerospace suppliers.

The requirements within AS9100 are complementary to contractual and applicable regulations. Those implementing a QMS conforming to AS9100 must ensure that the specific requirements of their customers, country regulatory agencies (such as the FAA and the JAA) and local, state and national laws are also referenced within the system's documentation.

First published in May 1997 by the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) as AS9000, the AS standard has evolved from AS9100:2004 Rev. B to AS9100:2009 Rev. C and is recognized by all major Aerospace OEMs. It combines and harmonizes requirements defined by the SAE in the Americas and the European Association of Aerospace Industries in Europe.

The aircraft, aerospace and defense industries have recognized AS9100 as a means for continually improving quality and on-time delivery within their supply chain. Most of the major aircraft engine manufacturers, such as General Electric's Aircraft Engine division (GEAE), Boeing, Rolls-Royce, Allison and Pratt & Whitney, are requiring their suppliers to be certified to AS9100.

Who Does AS9100 Apply To?

AS9100 certification can be used throughout the entire aerospace supply chain including the design and manufacture of airport and airline operations, replacement parts, supply and maintenance, cargo handling, overhaul and repair depots and flight operations.

Key Components of AS9100 RevC for Leading Edge Fabricating:

AS9100 Rev C provides a number of requirements that must be fulfilled to achieve customer satisfaction through products and services which meet customer expectations. This includes a requirement for planned and continual improvement of the Quality Management System. Specifically for Leading Edge Fabricating, Inc., key components of their quality policy require:

• Deploying and maintaining a compliant AS9100 Rev. C Quality Management System
• Understanding and conforming to customer requirements
• Verified customer satisfaction
• Continuous improvement

AS9100 RevB - Not Valid After June 2012

Released in January of 2009, AS 9100 Rev. C (sometimes called AS9100:2009) is the fourth and very latest release of the standard set by the SAE International.  Of note: Unless a company complies with the more rigorous Revision C requirements by July 1, 2012, their existing AS9100 certification (AS9100 Rev B or sometimes referred to AS9100:2004) will no longer be valid.

Reasons why the AS9100 Standard was changed:

There were many reasons the old version AS9100:2004 (Rev B) had to be changed. Among them were:

1. Expansion of scope statement to include “Aviation, Space and Defense”;
2. Changes to the design specification;
3. Greater focus on planning and project management; and additional emphasis on risk management and mitigation.
4. ISO 9001:2008 changes have also been incorporated.
5. Addition of new term “Special requirements” – are requirements identified by the customer or requirements which have high risk to the organization.
6. Addition of new term “Critical Items” – are for example processes, characteristics, parts and software which have significant impact on the product realization & use of product.

What are the Benefits of Certification to the AS9100 Standard?

AS 9100 certification provides the following benefits:

• Provides access to the best practices of the aerospace industry
• Demonstrates your commitment to deliver quality products and services to your customers
• Brings your quality management system to level with the global standard adopted by the aerospace industry
• Improves your new market / new customer prospects on a worldwide basis
• Reduces multiple expectations and number of 2nd and 3rd party audits
• Creates independent feedback to foster continual improvement
• Improved customer satisfaction
• Reduces organizational waste, inefficiencies, and defects
• Facilitates continual improvement in business processes and customer satisfaction
• Improves process consistency and stability