Thule Recognized as a Quality Leader in National Ranking

Quality Magazine ranked Thule Inc. 4th in its recent Quality Leadership 100 report, besting over 800 companies that participated in the survey. The top 100 companies were listed in the publication’s March issue.

“We are very proud to be recognized as a leader in quality, as quality is a cornerstone of our brand and a commitment that we make to the market,” said Fred Clark, President of Thule Inc. “It is especially gratifying to be ranked so high among leaders across such a broad spectrum of industries. We continually work to improve our manufacturing efficiencies, product testing and quality monitoring to ensure that our costumers receive the top quality products they expect from the Thule brand.”

More than 800 manufacturers participating in the Quality Leadership 100 were surveyed on criteria such as scrap and rework as a percentage of sales, warranty costs as a percentage of sales, rejected parts per million shipped and contribution of quality to profitability and shareholder value.

Companies also were evaluated based on the number of quality programs in place; registration to various standards; percentage of employees dedicated to quality responsibilities; average number of hours monthly that employees receive quality training; and the role quality professionals play in the acquisition of test, measurement and inspection tools, software and services.

Quality Bolt & Screw Co., of Brecksville, OH, Wieland Designs, of Goshen, IN, and HCC Inc., of Mendota, IL made up the top three companies in the ranking. Other companies making the top 100 included Ingersoll Rand (26), DaimlerChrysler (35), Whirlpool Corp. (56), Moen Inc. (67), and Black & Decker (90).

Quality is a monthly business publication serving the quality assurance and process improvement needs of more than 64,000 manufacturing professionals. The magazine reports on the use of sound metrology methods, statistical analysis and process improvement techniques to significantly improve quality on the shop floor and in manufacturing planning.

Thule Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary within the Thule Group. It is the leading US manufacturer of car rack products, with production sites in Seymour, Connecticut and Chicago, Illinois. Thule’s product line features multi-purpose roof racks, roof top boxes, rear mount racks, and accessories for outdoor equipment including bikes, skis, snowboards, kayaks, canoes, and surfboards. For more information visit www.thule.com.