DES PLAINES, Ill., March 26, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has received Intel Corporation's prestigious 2002 Supplier Continuous Quality Improvement (SCQI) award for an unprecedented fourth consecutive year.
Intel's highest honor for its suppliers is given annually for outstanding commitment to quality and performance by providers of products and services deemed essential to the semiconductor manufacturer's success. Kester was cited for its efforts in supplying Intel with interconnect and thermal interface materials. Kester and 12 additional SCQI award winners were honored at a celebration in Burlingame, Calif. on March 26.
"As a global supplier to the electronics industry, Kester experiences various levels of customer/supplier relationships, and our relationship with Intel has been mutually beneficial," said Roger Savage, Kester president. "As we continue to develop our organization and relationship with Intel, the challenge to supply consistent product globally is not enough. We must look to the future challenges and demands of technology. Kester's focus is to work closely together with Intel to develop innovative solutions for the semiconductor packaging industry. We are truly honored to receive this prestigious SCQI award for the fourth consecutive year, and look forward to continuing our relationship with Intel."
"Kester continues its long standing support of Intel and our Supplier Continuous Quality Improvement Process, becoming the first supplier in Intel's history to receive the SCQI award four consecutive years," said Mark Kaltenbach, general manager, Intel Assembly/Test Materials Operation. "Their focus on quality and continuous improvement is demonstrated by this significant accomplishment, and we are pleased to recognize their dedication to excellence."
The SCQI awards are part of Intel's Supplier Continuous Quality Improvement process, which encourages Intel's key suppliers to strive for excellence and continuous improvement. To qualify for SCQI status, suppliers must score at least 95 percent on a report card that assesses performance and ability to meet cost, quality, availability, delivery, technology and responsiveness goals.
Founded in 1899, Kester is a world-renowned supplier of solder and related materials and services to the electronic assembly, micro-component, industrial soldering, hardware/retail and wholesale plumbing markets. Kester is known for high-quality products, advanced technology and superior technical support. Kester's headquarters is located in Des Plaines, Ill., with additional manufacturing facilities in the United States, Canada, Singapore, Germany, Japan, Brazil, Taiwan, Philippines and Malaysia. Its worldwide manufacturing and technical capabilities provide the support required serving major contract manufacturers and original equipment manufacturers.
Northrop Grumman Component Technologies is a world leader in the design, development and manufacture of high performance electronic and optical components and materials to the telecommunications, networking, industrial, medical and military markets. Headquartered in Iselin, N.J., Component Technologies is comprised of six business units which includes Interconnect Technologies, Kester(r), Life Support, Poly-Scientific, Precision Products International and Winchester Electronics. The sector has over 3,000 employees, with technical sales offices in 28 countries and operations in 18 countries.
Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of computer, networking and communications products. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.
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