Strongsville, OH - January 28, 2004 - In an ongoing evolution towards higher quality, GE Advanced Materials - Quartz announces that the quality management system at the Advanced Ceramics facility in Strongsville, OH has been recently certified to the ISO 9001:2000 standard, an upgrade from its previous ISO9002 certification.

This globally recognized certification underscores GE's commitment to rigorous quality systems. It highlights that GE uses the highest standards in its design and manufacturing processes and in the delivery of products and services. The Strongsville facility is just the latest addition to GE Advanced Materials - Quartz's list of ISO9001:2000 certified facilities, which includes the Newark, Ohio quartz crucible and tubing furnace operations and related support functions, Geesthacht, Germany quartz facility, and Kozuki, Japan ceramics facility.

Since the purchase of Advanced Ceramics Corporation in November 2002, GE has moved rapidly to implement a Six Sigma approach to further improve product and process quality. This highly disciplined quality system provides a rigorous process for identifying and eliminating variances in a wide range of manufacturing and business processes, helping to enable the delivery of world class products and services.

"Six Sigma is part of the DNA of GE - it's how we work," said Rick Ryan, Manager - Global Manufacturing, GE Advanced Materials - Quartz. "Virtually every process, from order entry to preventive maintenance, is measured and analyzed. The ISO certification of our Quality Management System," he adds, "is validation that we have the appropriate mechanisms in place to help control process variations and improve process capability. Our ability to meet the new demands of the ISO9001:2000 standard signifies our commitment to implementing and measuring continuous improvement and customer satisfaction."

About GE Advanced Materials - Quartz

GE Advanced Materials is a world leader in providing materials solutions through engineering thermoplastics, silicon-based products and technology platforms, and fused quartz and ceramics. Headquartered in Pittsfield, MA, GE Advanced Materials is the combined entity of GE's former Plastics, Silicones, and Quartz businesses.

GE Advanced Materials - Quartz, with headquarters near Cleveland, OH, is a leader in providing high-purity quartz and advanced ceramic materials for the semiconductor, telecommunications, lighting, electronics, personal care, and water purification industries.

http://www.gequartz.com