Southwest Research Institute® receives Procter & Gamble Pinnacle Award

San Antonio - November 12, 2002 - Procter & Gamble has recognized Southwest Research Institute (SwRI®) for its quality products and work by bestowing its Pinnacle Award on the nonprofit research and development organization.

According to a letter from A.H. St. Clair, Procter & Gamble vice president of worldwide quality assurance, the pinnacle award is based on an organizations ability to deliver quality products and services meeting, or exceeding, P&G standards through systemic quality improvements."

The Procter & Gamble Pinnacle Award has three levels of achievement. Second and third levels of the award can be earned if an organization continues to exceed standards.

It is an honor to have our quality system recognized, especially by an organization as well respected as Procter & Gamble," said Jo Ann Boyd, manager of Quality Systems in SwRIs Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Division. Our documentation and procedures were reviewed, and all of our ISO 9002 processes were in place."

In February 2002, a Procter & Gamble quality assurance auditor reviewed procedures and work performed on a project testing food products in the SwRI Analytical and Environmental Chemistry Department. The Institute score met or exceeded the criteria on the key element rating system used by Procter & Gamble.

We pride ourselves in providing the highest quality services to our clients," said Dr. Reza Karimi, director of the Analytical and Environmental Chemistry Department. Our goal is to exceed our clients requirements by providing accurate and thorough data in a timely manner. We greatly appreciate the recognition of our efforts by our valued client Procter & Gamble."

SwRIs Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Division achieved certification to ISO 9002, an internationally recognized quality standard.

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SwRI is an independent, nonprofit, applied research and development organization
based in San Antonio, Texas, with more than 2,700 employees and an annual
research volume of more than $319 million.