Peachtree City-based Matsushita Communication Industrial Corporation of USA announced this week the company has achieved ISO 9002 and QS-9000 registrations for quality management system standards and ISO 14000 certification for environmental management.

Known for its Panasonic trademark, Fayette County's Industry of the Year in 1998 demonstrated its commitment to both environmental and quality systems with the achievement of the three international certifications during 1998.

The MCUSA Systems Department started the banner year with the first quality system certification for ISO 9002 in January; the Automotive Electronics Group followed with QS-9000 registration in May; the company was honored as the top industry in Fayette County in October and MCUSA achieved ISO 14000 environmental certification in November to complete the grand slam.

"To record three such demanding international standards in one calendar year is remarkable," said John Newman, vice president of MCUSA. "This achievement is one of the most significant milestones in our company's history and is a true testament to the commitment of our employment team."

As part of the world's largest consumer electronics firm and as a leader of Matsushita's operation in North America, "our company is able to compete with the best in the world," Newman said. "We are both proud of our team and hopeful that our efforts will not only improve our operation, but act as a springboard toward increased sales and market position."

ISO is a worldwide federation consisting of over 100 member countries. Its mission is to promote the development of standardization and related activities in the world to facilitate the international exchange of quality products and services and to foster cooperation in the spheres of intellectual, scientific, technological and economic activity.

To achieve quality, an organization (and its entire employment team) must understand the processes-the work each member does every day- and continually strive to improve these processes.

Standardizing these processes into an organized and documented system is the foundation for a comprehensive quality management program. ISO 9000 standards and QS-9000 requirements do just that.

Matsushita is committed to maintaining its status as leader in the environmental movement.

"Through our efforts, we will continue our responsibility to the community we call home by striving to improve the impact of our operation on the environment through our management system, our commitment to prevention of pollution and our activities that strive to comply with relevant legislative requirements," Newman said.