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 In the business sector of contract manufacturing, a competitive edge is always welcome. So when SAR Inc, based in Albert Lea , Minnesota , recently achieved ISO9001 through IMSM, demonstrating that it measures up to world class standards, the whole team were delighted.
The business, which has been operating for over 20 years, and employs some 38 staff, specializes in precision machining and fabrication. Parts produced by SAR Inc can be found in hydraulics systems, stainless steel components, skid loaders and garbage trucks, as well as automotive and fastener applications. Customers are both local and out-of-state, and range from small specialist manufacturers to government contractors.
 SAR Inc's President and owner, John Roscoe, had previously been involved in a business selling FAA certified airplane parts, so he knew that going for ISO9001 made a lot of sense. He heard about IMSM's straightforward, no-fuss approach from another company, Pritchard Tools, and called them in.
Mike Hansen, Director of Operations at SAR Inc, takes up the story. "I was pleased it all happened so quickly. Within a month we had started, and at the end of 6 months, we were certified. IMSM's assessors really understood the manufacturing business, and asked good, relevant questions. Their whole approach was very professional and thorough- they understood our business and knew what they wanted. I told the team here that they should be very proud, especially as the final audit produced no non-compliances, unlike my experience in previous companies. Many of our customers have also been surprised it only took 6 months. Personally, I am very satisfied by the way it has been set up, making it easy to manage and plan for continuous improvements in processes and file systems- as well as the whole way we now do business".
He continued, "The benefits are significant. I emailed all our current customers with a copy of the certificate, and within an hour one customer had replied, asking us to quote for additional business. We can now get in to customers who only deal with certified suppliers. I am already recommending IMSM to our customers, and would rate their services 9 out of 10- but I never give 10!"
www.sarincorporated.com
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