SONY PRECISION TECHNOLOGY RECEIVES ISO 9002 CERTIFICATION FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAMS, SERVICES, AND PROCEDURES

– LAKE FOREST, CA – Sony Precision Technology America, Inc., a leading provider of advanced precision measurement devices, announced it has received ISO 9002 certification, the most widely recognized international standard for quality management systems. The audit was conducted by Perry Johnson Registrars, Inc., and the scope of certification included the company's quality assurance programs, services, and procedures.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is the specialized agency for standardization that promotes the development of manufacturing, trade and communication among businesses through the development of generic standards. The most widely recognized of these international standards is the ISO 9000 series, which describe a basic quality management system that can be used by a company of any size, anywhere in the world. Specifically, ISO 9002 is a system model for external quality, covering production and installation.

ISO 9002 certification illustrates that Sony Precision Technology has successfully implemented quality system requirements that allow it to provide conforming products, which meet customer expectations. In order to receive the certification, the company's quality processes underwent a review from Perry Johnson Registrars, an accredited third party, who ensured that these methodologies met the intent of the applicable standard.

Sony's ISO 9000 certification is expected to lead to improved competitiveness. All of the company's core product areas, which include aerospace, autos, electronic components, measuring and testing instruments, have safety and liability as a great concern. By differentiating "classes" of suppliers, particularly in these high-tech areas where reliability is crucial, ISO 9000 registration will provide Sony with a competitive advantage and also serve as an illustration of the company's commitment to product excellence and integrity.

"Increasingly, customers are expecting companies to have their quality systems certified based on the internationally recognized ISO 9000 standards," says Larry Sato, president, Sony Precision Technology America. "Sony's ISO 9002 certification provides objective proof that the we have implemented an effective quality system and are satisfying all requirements of the applicable standard."

Sony Precision Technology America, Inc. is a leading provider of instrumentation and measurement devices, machine tool products and media analysis equipment for end-user and OEM applications. The company addresses the science and engineering arenas with a line of portable data recorders that employ multi-channel digital audio tape (DAT) and advanced intelligent tape (AIT) recording technology. Most recently, Sony Precision Technology America introduced a line of non-contact video inspection machines to complement its machine tool product category, which includes linear encoders, feedback scales, digital linear gauges, digital readout systems, LASERSCALEc, and CNC retrofit controls. In addition, the company is revolutionizing the technology marketplace with the release of its new CD analyzers and CD/DVD disc balance checkers for quality control in the media manufacturing industries. For more information, contact Sony Precision Technology America, Inc. at (949) 770-8400, or visit the web site at http://www.sonypt.com