Grote First in Industry to Receive TS16949 Certification

Grote Industries, a leading manufacturer and marketer of vehicle safety system products, has received TS 16949-2002 certification. This certification demonstrates Grote’s commitment to developing and maintaining strict quality management systems throughout its facility in Madison, Indiana. Grote is also ISO 14001 certified, meaning the company meets supplier environmental standards for North American automotive and heavy-duty truck manufacturers.

TS 16949-2002 certification is the international standard for quality management systems. The certification is based on meeting and exceeding customer’s expectations and a company’s business performance.

“Many of our customers are requiring suppliers to be TS 16949-2002 certified,” says Tom Blades, Grote Industries Plant Manager in Madison. “We are one of the first in our industry to receive this certification. Our entire company has worked hard and put a lot of time and effort into preparation and execution. We're extremely proud of our employees for taking the initiative and having the discipline to achieve this milestone

As a result of receiving its certification, Grote has trained 17 internal auditors. The internal auditors were trained by an outside consultant firm. As Grote changes processes throughout the company, the internal auditors will make sure the company is in compliance with TS 16949-2002 certification. Internal auditors will verify Grote standards from warranty issues, to product launches, to how invoices are paid. The goal is to show objective evidence that Grote follows the standards it sets for its customers.

To achieve certification, a core team of approximately 40 Grote employees met on a bi-weekly basis for one year. An independent auditor will audit Grote facilities every six months to verify that the company is meeting the required standards to maintain certification.

Return to press release list