ARLINGTON, Texas, Sept. 15, 1998 (PRIMEZONE) -- FWT, Inc., a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of wireless communication infrastructure products, announced today that it has received ISO-9001 certification from the International Standards Organization (ISO) for the design and manufacturing of communications towers.
The ISO-9001 designation is an internationally-recognized standard designed to assist buyers in determining the qualifications of potential suppliers.
"We are very proud that FWT is the first tower manufacturer in the U.S. to attain ISO-9001 certification," said Doug Standley, president and chief executive officer. "This certification positions FWT to assume a leadership role in our industry as we work to become the 'solutions provider,' providing not only quality manufacturing capability but installation, maintenance and financing alliances for our customers. Our certification is an indication of the progress we are making towards achieving our goal of delivering consistently superior quality products."
ISO-9001 is a series of three international standards and guidelines on quality management and assurance that were first published in 1987 by the International Standards Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. The standards are designed to provide customers with the assurance that a company has the capabilities and systems to ensure quality products and services. Under the standards, a company must define appropriate quality standards and document a consistent quality process.
"This certification assures our customers that we have a world-class quality system," continued Mr. Standley. "At the same time, it recognizes the outstanding teamwork and cooperation between the manufacturing, design and quality teams in establishing those standards in just six months, nearly six months sooner than we anticipated."
To maintain the ISO-9001 certification, FWT will undergo an audit by the ISO every six months.
"It takes three strong components to earn this certification - procedures, processes and people," continued Mr. Standley. "The fact that we've earned ISO-9001 certification means we have all three in place."
Founded in 1959, FWT, Inc. is based in Arlington, Texas. The Company's products are used in the cellular PCS, enhanced specialized mobile radio, paging radio and television broadcasting, fiber optics and microwave industries. FWT designs, manufacturers, and markets a complete line of communications infrastructure products including towers, monopoles, guyed and self-supported towers, disguised sites, communication sites on wheels, shelters and cabinets. FWT has introduced the innovative PowerMount(TM) an antenna system that fits on existing electrical transmission towers. The TREE-CELL(TM)is a monopole that looks like a tree and is currently available in palm and pine. The company has more that 14,000 installations worldwide and employs 335 in two Fort Worth locations.
Forward-looking statements herein are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified as such because the context of the statement will include words such as the Company "believes," "expects," "anticipates," or words of similar import. Similarly, statements that describe the Company's future plans, objectives, estimates or goals are forward-looking statements. Certain important factors could cause results to differ from those anticipated by the forward-looking statements made herein, including high level of and restrictions imposed by debt, ability to implement such initiatives, dependence on the wireless communications industry, fluctuations in quarterly results and competition. All persons are directed to the information contained under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Form 10-K.