February 9, 2000

Hydrasearch Achieves ISO9001 Registration

Hydrasearch Co. of Stevensville, Maryland is pleased to announce that it has received ISO

9001 certification, an internationally recognized standard of quality excellence. QMI of

Mississauga, Canada has certified that Hydrasearch's quality system complies with ISO

9001-1994. The registration covers the design, development and manufacture of Fluid

Systems and components for the military and commercial customers.

The registration is the latest in a series of moves made by Hydrasearch to further ensure its

reputation as a world class manufacturer of Aerospace, Marine and Industrial hose fittings

and assemblies. Dale Spencer President of Hydrasearch says, “The ISO Registration is an

important part of Hydrasearch’s growth. In the last 5 years Hydrasearch has more than

tripled its product line offerings from its traditional base of Marine Refueling at Sea

products and hose, fittings and hose assemblies for the Navy. The ISO certification is

another step in our commitment to continuous improvement. ISO 9001 is the most

comprehensive level of certification among the ISO 9000 family of international standards.

ISO 9001 is an international quality standard that covers a company’s design, development,

production, installation and servicing. Compliance to this standard has become of

increasing importance in today’s worldwide market place. ISO 9001 registration is

recognized as a measure of a suppliers quality processes.