Category: News

Fishers, Indiana, June 21, 2019 – Stratosphere Quality was selected as one of 22 Honda suppliers that provide indirect products and services to its manufacturing plants in North America, to receive the prestigious Honda Indirect Procurement Suppliers Award. Stratosphere Quality accepted the award at the annual Honda Indirect Procurement Supplier Conference held at the Bridgewater Banquet and Conference Center in Powell, Ohio.

Kyle Coffinger, Senior Vice President of Business Development for Stratosphere Quality, accepted the award at the annual conference. “To say this is an honor is an understatement. This award for performance excellence directly ties to our mission and culture. One that is dedicated to delivering the highest standard of quality. Our employees deserve all the recognition for this accomplishment. Their dedication and drive to deliver above and beyond, day in and day out, is what sets us apart. To be chosen from a large pool of suppliers is an incredible achievement.”

Award-winning suppliers were selected for achievements in the categories of Special Recognition, Outstanding Value and Performance Excellence, as well as the Supplier of the Year during a ceremony. Stratosphere Quality was selected from the more than 2,200 suppliers that provide equipment, products, and services to Honda manufacturing plants and corporate functions across North America.

“Our suppliers and business partners make us a stronger company, helping us realize innovation and advancement, by delivering the benefits the marketplace has to offer,” said Monica Oliverio, department manager of the North American Indirect Procurement Department at Honda of America Mfg., Inc. “This complementary and valued relationship is an important part of our mutual success.”

Indirect purchasing for business and manufacturing operations in North America totaled nearly $2.3 billion for the calendar year 2018.

About Stratosphere Quality
Stratosphere Quality, founded in 2009, is a leading global provider of quality assurance and outsourcing solutions, including sorting and inspection services, to manufacturers of parts and components in the automotive, medical device, electronics, home appliance, and recreational vehicle industries. Headquartered just northeast of Indianapolis, Indiana, Stratosphere Quality has a geographic reach of US states, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and China. www.stratospherequality.com

60th Anniversary of Honda in America
Honda marked its 60th anniversary in America on June 11, 2019, and will reach 40 years of production in America in Sept. 2019. Honda established its first U.S. business operation in Los Angeles, Calif., in 1959. Today, Honda employs more than 31,000 associates in the development, manufacturing, sales and servicing of Honda and Acura automobiles, Honda power equipment and powersports products, the HondaJet advanced light jet and GE Honda HF120 turbofan engines.
Based on its longstanding commitment to “build products close to the customer,” Honda operates 12 major manufacturing facilities in America, working with more than 600 suppliers in the region to produce roughly 4 million products annually for customers locally and globally. In 2018, almost two-thirds of the Honda and Acura automobiles sold in the U.S. were produced in America, using domestic and globally sourced parts.
Honda also operates 14 major research and development centers in the U.S. with the capacity to fully design, develop and engineer many of the products Honda produces in America, including Honda and Acura automobiles, Honda side-by-side vehicles and power equipment, as well as the HondaJet.

Robin DeProspero, Vice President of Talent Acquisition, announced the hiring of Brian McGillicuddy as Director of Agency Management at Stratosphere Quality. In this role, Brian will be responsible for directing and supporting the staffing needs of the organization as well as the evaluation, design, and implementation of staffing agency partnerships that improve efficiency and effectiveness of the organization.

“We are excited to have Brian re-join our team at Stratosphere Quality. He is a tremendous asset to our organization. Brian brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and creativity which will help us achieve our strategic hiring and resource management goals in the coming years,” states DeProspero.

Brian returns to Stratosphere Quality with over 20 years of experience in recruiting and staffing initiatives. Previously, he held the positions of General Manager, Regional Manager and Director for various staffing agencies and Recruiting Manager for Stratosphere Quality from 2010-2016. Most recently, he was the Global Recruiting Manager at Maetrics.

Brian graduated with a degree in Secondary Education from Indiana University – South Bend.

About Stratosphere Quality
Stratosphere Quality, founded in 2009, is a major global provider of quality assurance and outsourcing solutions, including sorting and inspection services, to manufacturers of parts and components in the automotive, medical device, electronics, home appliance and recreational vehicles industries. Headquartered in Fishers, Indiana, Stratosphere Quality has a geographic reach of 22 US states, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and China.
www.stratospherequality.com

Fishers, IN, December 4, 2017 – Tom Gray, CEO of Stratosphere Quality, announced today that Stratosphere Quality has been chosen to receive the FCA US 2017 Supplier of the Year Award for logistics services. The award is given to the top companies in various business categories that exemplify excellence in safety, quality, cost, logistics, delivery, and management.

“To be awarded this honor from FCA US is really an affirmation of the great work, dedication, and focus of our incredible employees for providing superior service and quality to the manufacturing industry. We are grateful for our strong partnership with FCA US and will continue to work diligently on exceeding the expectations of our clients,” said Gray.

“We have experienced tremendous growth including team and geographic expansion, which in turn allows us to be even more responsive to our clients. Our goal is to be as accessible to our clients whenever and wherever they need us. To be recognized by FCA US is an honor. An award like this continues to drive our company to exceed expectations,” states Gray.

About Stratosphere Quality
Stratosphere Quality, founded in 2009, is a leading global provider of quality assurance and outsourcing solutions, including sorting and inspection services, to manufacturers of parts and components in the automotive, medical device, electronics, home appliance and recreational vehicle industries. Headquartered just northeast of Indianapolis, Indiana, Stratosphere Quality has a geographic reach of US states, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and China. www.stratospherequality.com

About FCA US LLC
FCA US LLC is a North American automaker with a new name and a long history. Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, FCA US is a member of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA) family of companies. FCA US designs, engineers, manufactures and sells vehicles under the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and FIAT brands, as well as the SRT performance vehicle designation. The company also distributes Alfa Romeo vehicles and Mopar products. FCA US is building upon the historic foundations of Chrysler, the innovative American automaker first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925; and Fiat, founded in Italy in 1899 by pioneering entrepreneurs, including Giovanni Agnelli.
FCA, the seventh-largest automaker in the world based on total annual vehicle sales, is an international automotive group. FCA is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FCAU” and on the Mercato Telematico Azionario under the symbol “FCA.”

Fishers, IN 46037, August 16, 2017 — Stratosphere Quality CEO Tom Gray announced Stratosphere Quality has been named to the 2017 Inc. 5000 list for the fifth consecutive year. The five-year distinction places Stratosphere Quality in the Inc. Honor Roll among a very select group to also achieve this recognition. The Inc. 5000 list is a prestigious and reputable annual ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America.

“It is incredibly rewarding to receive this distinction five years in a row. I believe our team is the best in the industry. Their dedication and commitment to providing our customers with innovative solutions with the highest level of service is the vital contributor to our ongoing growth. We provide our services to over 2,500 manufacturers across the globe, all of whom are dedicated to finding and implementing solutions that improve their manufacturing supply chain,” Gray said. “We continue to grow and lead our industry in new technologies, geographic reach, standardized processes, and operational excellence.”

As a global provider of quality assurance and quality control solutions to manufacturers in the United States, Canada, Mexico and China, Stratosphere Quality grew revenue 51% between 2013 and 2016, generating annual revenues exceeding $121 million. This outstanding performance earned Stratosphere Quality their fifth-year ranking—and continues to compound through precise management and focus on expansion.

In July 2017, management announced the acquisition of Stratosphere Quality by Sojitz Corporation (65%) and Green Tec (35%). The acquisition provides an even greater opportunity to support the global supply chain with industry-leading services. The Sojitz and Green Tec acquisition provides incredibly strong financial backing along with an immediate increased base in the automotive industry.

View our ranking: https://www.inc.com/profile/stratosphere-quality

About Stratosphere Quality
Stratosphere Quality, founded in 2009, is a major global provider of quality assurance and outsourcing solutions, including sorting and inspection services, to manufacturers of parts and components in the automotive, medical device, electronics, home appliance and recreational vehicle industries. Headquartered just northeast of Indianapolis, Indiana, Stratosphere Quality has a geographic reach of 22 US states, Canada, Mexico, and China. www.stratospherequality.com

About Inc. 5000
Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures, Inc. is the only major brand dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies, with the aim to deliver real solutions for today’s innovative company builders. Inc. received Winner of the National Magazine Award for General Excellence in both 2014 and 2012. The Inc. 5000 is a list of the fastest-growing private companies in the nation. Started in 1982, this prestigious list of the nation’s most successful private companies has become the hallmark of entrepreneurial success. For more information, visit www.inc.com.

For More Information
Shamay Theobald
stheobald@stratospherequality.com
(317) 578-1455

Stratosphere Quality Founder and Chairman Steve Cage announced today Stratosphere Quality has been acquired by Sojitz Corporation and Green Tec Corporation. Sojitz Corporation will be the majority shareholder, with Green Tec acquiring the remaining shares. Steve Cage will remain active on the Advisory Board, with Tom Gray continuing to serve as Chief Executive Officer at their corporate headquarters located in Fishers, Indiana.

Steve Cage, a highly respected and successful entrepreneur in the automotive industry, has grown Stratosphere Quality to over 2500 employees serving approximately 3,000 clients from its inception in 2009. The company has experienced tremendous growth year over year given Cage’s expertise in identifying and providing quality solutions that improve the manufacturing supply chain.

“This is an exciting day for Stratosphere Quality. This acquisition provides an even greater opportunity to support the global supply chain with industry leading services. The Sojitz and Green Tec acquisition provides incredibly strong financial backing along with an immediate increased base in the automotive industry. We anticipate a seamless transition given our shared goals and commitment to best practices in the quality services industry,” stated Cage.

Stratosphere Quality has earned its reputation for integrity and commitment to quality in all aspects of the solutions they provide manufacturers. This reputation has led them to become the largest North American provider of quality assurance and outsourcing services.

About Stratosphere Quality
Stratosphere Quality, founded in 2009, is major global provider of quality assurance and outsourcing solutions, including sorting and inspection services, to manufacturers of parts and components in the automotive, medical device, electronics, home appliance and recreational vehicle industries. Headquartered just northeast of Indianapolis, Indiana, Stratosphere Quality has a geographic reach of 22 US states, Canada, Mexico, and China.

About Sojitz Corporation
Sojitz Corporation was formed from the union of Nissho Iwai and Nichimen Corporation, both companies that boast incredibly long histories. For more than 150 years, Sojitz Corporation has helped support the development of countless countries and regions. Today, the Sojitz Group consists of approximately 400 subsidiaries and affiliates located in Japan and throughout the world, developing wide-ranging general trading company operations in a multitude of countries and regions.
www.sojitz.com

About Green Tec
Established in 1996, Green Tec Corporation provides quality support and outsourcing solutions as well as technology consulting and development for the manufacturing industry throughout the world. Green Tec employs over 2,000 personnel and is headquartered in Nishiki, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi.
www.green-t.co.jp

For More Information and Media Queries Contact:
Shamay Theobald
stheobald(at)stratospherequality(dot)com
317-849-7187

The Indianapolis Business Journal just released their Largest Indiana Private Companies List. Stratosphere Quality is not only recognized on the list, but is also the youngest company to be listed. We are excited to be a part of Indiana’s most comprehensive list and look forward to our continued growth.
View the list

Stratosphere Quality, a global provider of quality assurance and outsourcing solutions to manufacturers, announced plans today to expand its headquarters in Hamilton County, creating up to 250 new jobs by 2020.

“Across the state, companies like Stratosphere are making Indiana a great place to work and live,” Governor Eric J. Holcomb said. “It’s exciting to see companies benefit from our low-tax climate and skilled workforce. We will take Indiana to the next level by continuing to develop a diverse economy that meets the demands of the 21st century.”

The company will invest $3.7 million to update its 46,000-square-foot headquarters at 12024 Exit Five Parkway in Fishers. As part of its update, Stratosphere Quality will add additional break rooms, enhance office space and increase employee training opportunities to accommodate its growing team. Stratosphere Quality anticipates continued growth rates of more than 10 percent per year, and must expand its operations to meet the increased demand. Between 2012 and 2015, the company grew its revenue by 40 percent, generating annual revenues exceeding $100 million.

This is Stratosphere Quality’s second major expansion announcement in recent years. In 2012, the company announced plans to invest $2.6 million into its Fishers headquarters and grow its headcount. The company exceeded its hiring goal and currently employs nearly 600 Hoosiers as part of its team of over 2,200 associates across North America. With plans to add 250 new Hoosier jobs, Stratosphere Quality will continue hiring for quality inspectors, team leaders and supervisors throughout the year. Interested applicants may apply online.

“Indiana is a great place for a growing company, and is home to a friendly business environment with a good pool of talented workers,” said Tom Gray, chief executive officer of Stratosphere Quality. “Our employees have played a large role in our success and growth as a company. Our hiring and training practices are the fundamentals of excellent service delivery to our customers and we have sincerely appreciated the state’s assistance with our efforts.” Founded in 2009, Stratosphere Quality is the largest global provider of quality assurance and outsourcing solutions to manufacturers of parts and components in the automotive, medical device and large equipment industries. The company, which has been on the Inc. 5000 List of America’s Fastest-Growing Companies for the past four years, helps suppliers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) identify the root cause of quality problems, minimize defects, improve quality, increase efficiency and reduce costs associated with quality issues. Stratosphere Quality serves manufacturers in the U.S., Mexico, Canada and China.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) offered Stratosphere Quality LLC up to $800,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $200,000 in training grants based on the company’s job creation plans. These incentives are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The City of Fishers supports the project.

“Stratosphere’s growth demonstrates the positive impact their service has on companies around the globe, but it’s their impact on Fishers that makes them a great asset, both as a business and as community partners,” said Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness. “The commitment to community keeps Fishers vibrant and growing, and I’m happy to see Stratosphere continue their growth trajectory in our city.”

Stratosphere Quality’s growth plans continue a trend of companies choosing to expand and add new jobs across the state. Indiana’s unemployment rate is at 4.1 percent, which is below the national average and below all of Indiana’s neighboring states. As a service provider to manufacturers across the state, Stratosphere Quality supports Indiana’s leading manufacturing industry, which is home to the highest concentration of manufacturing employment in the nation.

About Stratosphere Quality

Stratosphere Quality, founded in 2009, is the largest global provider of quality assurance and outsourcing solutions, including sorting and inspection services, to manufacturers of parts and components in the automotive, medical device, electronics, home appliance and recreational vehicle industries. Stratosphere Quality helps suppliers and OEMs identify the root cause of quality problems, minimize defects, improve quality, increase efficiency and reduce costs associated with quality issues. Headquartered just northeast of Indianapolis, Indiana, Stratosphere Quality has a geographic reach of 22 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico and China.

About IEDC

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) leads the state of Indiana’s economic development efforts, helping businesses launch, grow and locate in the state. Governed by a 12-member board chaired by Governor Eric J. Holcomb, the IEDC manages many initiatives, including performance-based tax credits, workforce training grants, innovation and entrepreneurship resources, public infrastructure assistance, and talent attraction and retention efforts. For more information about the IEDC, visit www.iedc.in.gov.