Intel Awards Preferred Quality Supplier Status To Nine Firms

Annual Award Recognizes Best-in-Class Performance

SANTA CLARA, Calif., April 1, 1997 -- Intel Corporation, the world's largest chipmaker, announced today that is has acknowledged nine suppliers with its 1996 Preferred Quality Supplier (PQS) award. The firms noted for their performance are GE Electrical Distribution and Control, Kokusai Electric Co. Ltd., Kulicke & Soffa Industries Inc., NGK Spark Plug Co. Ltd, Shindo Company Ltd., Sumitomo Metal (SMI) Electronics Devices Inc., Tanaka Electronics Singapore Pte. Ltd., United Van Lines Inc. and Weiss Scientific Glass Blowing Co.

GE Electrical Distribution and Control supplies products used to distribute, protect and control electrical power and equipment to Intel. Kokusai Electric Co. Ltd., provides Intel with radio communication equipment, information systems, semiconductor equipment, electronic parts and components. Kulicke & Soffa Industries Inc. provides Intel with semiconductor assembly equipment. Shindo Company Ltd. supplies Tape Carrier Packaging. Sumitomo Metal (SMI) Electronics Devices Inc. and NGK Spark Plug Co. Ltd. are ceramic assembly material suppliers. Tanaka Electronics Singapore Pte. Ltd. supplies gold and aluminum bonding wires. United Van Lines furnishes electronic and household goods transportation. Finally, Weiss Scientific Glass Blowing Co. supplies Intel with fabricated quartzware used in wafer deposition processes.

"Each year Intel recognizes those suppliers who have earned our prestigious quality/performance awards. This year's award winners have demonstrated excellence in meeting continuously increasing quality, technology, volume, responsiveness and cost expectations," said Thomas L. Hogue, vice president, Intel, and director of Materials. "They represent performance leaders in their respective industries and each has played a meaningful role in Intel's success. Intel depends on ‘winners,' such as the companies being recognized today, to provide world-class products to our customers. We are proud to be associated with this year's award recipients."

To qualify for PQS status, suppliers must attain a minimum score of 525 points out of 1,000 on a self-assessment based on Malcolm Baldrige National Quality award criteria (scores in each of seven sections must be above 50 percent), and 80 percent on performance against set improvement plans. In addition, performance to firm guidelines for one year is also required to qualify.

The PQS award is part of Intel's Supplier Continuous Quality Improvement (SCQI) process. The intention of this process is to encourage Intel's key suppliers to strive for excellence and continuous improvement in their operations. A key supplier is one that supplies a product or service deemed essential to Intel's success.

Award certificates will be presented to each supplier Additionally, Intel recognizes PQS winners with an advertisement in the Wall Street Journal, which will run in American editions today and Asian editions on April 2.

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