CHARLOTTE, Mich., July 22, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ —
Spartan Motors Chassis Inc., a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq: SPAR), announced today that the company’s Defense and Defense Aftermarket business has earned one of the worlds’ most recognized and respected standards of quality, ISO 9001:2008 registration. ISO 9001:2008 is the fourth and latest edition of the ISO standard first published in 1987, which has become an international benchmark for providing high quality products and maintaining excellent customer satisfaction.
ISO 9001:2008 registration is important for Spartan to remain competitive in a crowded market where customers can tap suppliers from around the globe. ISO registration demonstrates that a company is operating at peak performance and sets it apart from competitors offering similar services. In the defense industry in particular, ISO registration is often a required quality standard for contracts, so this registration will help enhance Spartan’s already highly competitive position in defense related opportunities.
The defense industry represents a significant growth opportunity for Spartan Motors which has recently been awarded multiple subcontract orders to support the production of advanced tactical vehicles under the Medium Mine Protected Vehicle (MMPV) and Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) programs. Spartan also continues its ongoing support of MRAP prime contractors and the U.S. Government by providing spare/replacement parts for many of the MRAP vehicles built at Spartan since 2005. ISO registration positions the company to further expand its portfolio of defense-related projects as well as aftermarket parts and services.
“We are delighted to attain ISO registration, which recognizes our commitment to quality and continuous improvement,” said John Sztykiel, President and CEO of Spartan Motors. Everyone at Spartan Motors takes great pride in our reputation for speed and agility with high quality. The achievement of this registration serves as validation of the dedicated team of Spartan’s employees and serves as a powerful demonstration of our commitment to excellence.”
A copy of Spartan Chassis’ new ISO certification is available for download at the company’s website. (www.spartanchassis.com)
About Spartan Motors Chassis, Inc.
Spartan Motors Chassis, Inc., a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq: SPAR), is a world-class leader in the engineering, manufacturing and marketing of chassis and aftermarket parts for emergency-response, outdoor recreation/RV, defense and specialty vehicles. End users of our products recognize – and request – the Spartan Chassis brand, which consistently delivers superior performance, exceptional safety ratings and technological innovations that distinguish us from our competitors. Visit Spartan Chassis on the web at www.spartanchassis.com.
About Spartan Motors
Spartan Motors, Inc. (theshyftgroup.com) designs, engineers and manufactures specialty chassis, specialty vehicles and truck bodies and aftermarket parts for the Outdoor Recreation/RV, emergency-response, defense, government services, delivery and service markets. The Company’s brand names – Spartan(TM), Crimson Fire(TM), Crimson Fire Aerials(TM), Road Rescue(TM) and Utilimaster(R) – are known for quality, value, service and being the first to market with innovative products. The Company employs approximately 1,500 at facilities in Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Indiana and Texas. Spartan reported sales of $430 million in 2009 and is focused on becoming a global leader in the manufacture of specialty vehicles and chassis.
This release contains forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements concerning our business, future plans and objectives and the performance of our products. Forward looking statements are identifiable by words such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “will,” “sustain,” and “continue.” These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that ultimately may not prove to be accurate. For example, we may encounter unforeseen difficulties and challenges in entering new markets or in pursuing strategic acquisitions. In addition, technical and other complications may arise that could prevent the timely implementation of our plans or that may impact the expected outcome of those plans. As a result, actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company cautions that these forward-looking statements are further qualified by other factors including, but not limited to, those set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filing and other filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (available at http://www.sec.gov). Government contracts and subcontracts typically involve long payment and purchase cycles, competitive bidding, qualification requirements, delays or changes in funding, extensive specification development and changes, price negotiations and milestone requirements. An announced award of a governmental contract is not equivalent to a finalized executed contract and does not assure that orders will be issued and filled. Government agencies also often retain some portion of fees payable upon completion of a project and collection of contract fees may be delayed for long periods, which can negatively impact both prime contractors and subcontractors. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any statements in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
SOURCE Spartan Motors, Inc.