Faurecia Interior Systems Fraser plant celebrates Ford Q1 Certification

FRASER, Mich., Feb. 4, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Faurecia, North America's sixth-largest automotive supplier, announced that its interior systems manufacturing facility in Fraser has been awarded Q1 certification from Ford Motor Company.

Faurecia and Ford celebrated the accomplishment today. The 793 employee facility, which opened in 2006, manufactures the door panel, center console and other interior components for the Ford Focus.

To achieve Q1 certification, Ford suppliers must meet stringent criteria, including: International Organization of Standardization (TS 16949 & ISO 14001) certification, proper implementation of quality operating and management systems, as well as environmental management systems and customer endorsements.

"Receiving Ford Q1 certification does more than guarantee that the Fraser plant is in-line with Ford's rigorous quality standards," Manfred Kwade, President of Faurecia Interior Systems (FIS) North America, said. "The recognition is proof of Faurecia's commitment to our customers and excellence in automotive manufacturing."

Joe Lupinski, Fraser's Plant Manager, added that earning this achievement demonstrates the effectiveness of the Faurecia Excellence System (FES). The pragmatic operating system ensures excellence and continuous improvement in quality, cost and delivery are instilled in every stage of the manufacturing process.

"FES principles guide us, allowing us to meet our customers' requests," Lupinski said. "Because FES gives us the tools to empower our employees and deliver quality products, we can adapt as the customer needs. We are able to apply Fraser's collective experience and know-how to support continuous improvement both with Ford and within Faurecia through the mindset and language of FES."

In North America, FIS produces a complete line of automotive interior products from its Auburn Hills, Michigan, R&D center and 12 manufacturing facilities.

About Faurecia

Faurecia is the world's sixth–largest automotive supplier, with four Business Groups: Automotive Seating, Emissions Control Technologies, Interior Systems and Automotive Exteriors. In 2013, the Group posted sales of $24 billion. As of December 31, 2013, Faurecia employed 97,500 people in 34 countries at 320 sites, including 30 R&D centers. Faurecia is listed on the NYSE Euronext Paris stock exchange and trades in the U.S. over-the-counter (OTC) market.

In North America, Faurecia had sales of $6.25 billion in 2013. It employs more than 20,000 people at 47 locations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Connect with Faurecia North America at www.facebook.com/faureciaNA, www.twitter.com/faureciaNA, and www.pinterest.com/faureciaNA.

SOURCE Faurecia