The Wuxi, China, manufacturing facility of Memsic Inc. (North Andover, MA) has passed an ISO/TS 16949 certification audit. The ISO/TS 16949 specification sets quality management system requirements for the design, production and installation of automotive-related products. Memsic manufactures microelectromechanical accelerometers and sensors.

Smarter Solutions Inc. (Austin, TX) is using iGrafx process mapping and simulation software from Corel Corp. (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) to facilitate its Six Sigma training and consulting services.

GSI Lumonics Inc. (Farmington Hills, MI) will design and manufacture its solid-state, excimer and CO2 laser sources at its renovated facility in Rugby, England. Laser components and systems will continue to be manufactured in Farmington Hills.

GGS Information Services (York, PA) has achieved ISO 9001: 2000 certification.

FSI International Inc. (Minneapolis) has achieved ISO 9001: 2000 certification. FSI makes wafer cleaning and resist processing equipment.

The Office of Naval Research (Arlington, VA) has awarded a small business innovative research contract to Positron Systems (Boise, ID). Under the contract, Positron will use its photon-induced positron annihilation (PIPA) technology to detect material fatigue in jet engine turbines and drivetrain bearings. PIPA involves penetrating materials with a photon beam generated by a linear accelerator. This process creates positrons, which are attracted to nanometer-sized defects in the material. Eventually, the positrons collide with electrons in the material and are annihilated, releasing energy in the form of gamma rays. The gamma ray energy spectrum creates a distinct and readable signature of the size, quantity and type of defects present in the material.