Hanover , Germany -- Nov 13, 2001 -- Dana Corporation's (NYSE: DCN) Spicer Off-Highway Axle Division, part of the Off-Highway Systems Group, has received QS-9000 certification from Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance.  This division manufactures axles and drop boxes for the industrial, construction, and agricultural markets.  Its plants are located in Rovereto, Castelnuovo Valsugana, Atessa, and Arco, Italy. 

“Although a standard in the automotive industry, the QS-9000 certification represents an ambitious and prestigious achievement for component manufacturers of off-highway vehicles,” explains Sergio Andreatta, quality director, Spicer Off-Highway Axle Division.  “Spicer Off-Highway Axle Division's main competitors are not certified.” 

The QS-9000 targets “zero defects” in the manufacturing of products and servicing of customers; this requires the total commitment from all employees and suppliers.  The certification process took nearly a year to be completed. 

In continual pursuit of excellence, the Spicer Off-Highway Axle Division received ISO 9001 certification in 1994.  In 1996, it obtained ISO 14001 certification for environmental issues and became one of the first certified facilities in Italy.  QS-9000 certification represents the company's on-going commitment to total quality for its products, processes, and services. 

Off-Highway Systems Overview 

Dana's Spicer Off-Highway Axle Division is part of the Off-Highway Systems Group, which is composed of Spicer Specialty Axle Division, Spicer Agricultural Axle Division, Spicer Off-Highway Axle Division, Spicer Outdoor Power Equipment Components Division, Spicer Off-Highway Parts & Distribution Division, Spicer Off-Highway Axle Division – India, Spicer Off-Highway Products Division – China, and Spicer Off-Highway Driveshaft Group. 

The Off-Highway Systems Group consists of 15 manufacturing and assembly operations serving 30 countries and more than 1,000 vehicle assembly and manufacturing facilities, as well as two global distribution centers and 30 authorized service centers, serving more than 100 countries.   The Group's products include a diverse mix of off-highway and on/off-highway axles and brakes, transmissions, transaxles, electronic controls, torque converters, driveshafts, and replacement parts and service.  Market segments served include construction, agriculture, mining, forestry, materials handling, specialty chassis, outdoor power equipment, leisure/utility vehicles, and various industrial markets. 

Dana Corporation is one of the world's largest independent suppliers of components, modules, and complete systems to global vehicle manufacturers and their related aftermarkets. Founded in 1904, and based in Toledo, Ohio, the company operates some 300 major facilities in 34 countries and employs approximately 75,000 people. The company reported sales of $12.3 billion in 2000. Dana's Internet address is www.dana.com.