CVI Technical Optics Recommended for ISO 9001:2000 Certification.

ONCHAN, Isle of Man -- Following rigorous independent assessment, CVI Technical Optics has been recommended to ISO 9001:2000 for the design, manufacture, and sales of precision optics, coatings, and assemblies. This prestigious award for quality is recognized worldwide and demonstrates CVI's ongoing commitment to an organizationwide quality management system conforming to ISO's stringent requirements.

CVI's quality system was assessed against the requirements of the standard by CICS, headquartered in Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom. During the assessment, CICS examined CVI's business processes, documents, data and records, interviewed employees and observed actual work practices at CVI's manufacturing, development and distribution facility in Onchan, Isle of Man, the British Isles. CVI supports its quality system with management commitment, resources, measurement, analysis and improvement processes.

CVI Technical Optics is proud to be recommended for ISO 9001:2000 certification. "This is a tremendous achievement for our facility in the British Isles," said Jim Phelps, CVI's quality director. "Our people have worked very hard for the past year to get the systems and processes in place to earn our ISO 9001:2000 certification. We are nearing completion to receive ISO 9001:2000 certification in all of our facilities."

Serving semiconductor, biotech, industrial, commercial and research industries, CVI combines 30-plus years of optics manufacturing expertise with precision machining and mechanical design to produce integrated opto-mechanical assemblies. "CVI Technical Optics has been investing in our manufacturing facility here in Onchan, adding state-of-the-art interferometry equipment, upgrading our coating systems, certifying our clean rooms and getting our processes in place to earn this ISO 9001:2000 certification," stated Mark West, vice president of operations.

Dr. Helmut Kessler, general manager for CVI Technical Optics, said, "ISO 9001:2000 certification is important to serving our customers worldwide. CVI Technical Optics' capabilities are unique within the group and this certification is critical in meeting the needs of semiconductor and aerospace customers."

CVI is a leading manufacturer of optical components, providing engineering, rapid prototype delivery, high-volume production, and system integration for challenging optical requirements. Headquartered in Albuquerque, N.M., CVI operates manufacturing facilities in the United States, the British Isles, and South Korea with sales representatives and distributors located worldwide.

For further information about CVI, please contact Lynore Abbott, marketing communications manager, 200 Dorado Place S.E., Albuquerque, NM 87123, by phone at 505-296-9541, by e-mail at [e-mail], or visit the CVI Web site at www.cvilaser.com.

For further information about CVI Technical Optics, please contact Chris Bridle, European sales manager, Second Avenue, Onchan, Isle of Man, IM3 4PA, by phone at (0) 1624 647000, by e-mail at [e-mail], or visit the CVI Web site at www.cvilaser.com.