Why York Metal Spinning believes ISO 14001 also
makes good business sense.
Metal spinning is one of the oldest methods of forming sheet metal.
In a similar way to a potter forming clay, a metal spinner takes
a flat round disc of metal rotating on a spinning lathe and applies
pressure using various tools to shape the metal and form everything
from cooking pots and car wheels to the cowling for jet engines.
With new applications for the process being found all the time,
metal spinning is one of the fastest growing industries.
Based in Concord, Ontario, York Metal Spinning produces metal spun
parts and prototypes for the lighting, automotive, heating and air
conditioning, food processing, aerospace and manufacturing industries.
Established in 1948, the company boasts an extensive range of spinning
lathes and tools, and also offers in-house CNC punching, bending
and welding.
To ensure even greater control over quality and delivery, in February
2004, the company gained ISO 9001. As Doug Paulson, President of
York Metal Spinning, explains: "We need the system in place to
maintain the highest standards of quality and efficiency. It drives
us towards making all the right moves for team member training,
new product review, and to help us become the leader in our industry
worldwide. ISO 9001 requires continuous improvement and staff participation.
Our employees now feel more involved and contribute their ideas.
Another key factor is that some customers require systems such as
ISO 9001 before they will do business with you, particularly in
the automotive sector. So it's good for business. Quality is better
and delivery is more on time than ever. Indeed, our customers comment
on the improvements. As a result, sales have risen significantly
this past year."
But this ISO success story doesn't stop there. York Metal Spinning
is also in the process of implementing ISO 14001 with the help of
IMSM. Doug explains why they believe obtaining the environmental
standard is the way forward: "We feel obligated to contribute
our efforts to improve the environment and to do our part by taking
the necessary steps to fulfill our role as a leader in our industry.
It also makes business sense. Recycling saves money and we avoid
potential problems associated with improper disposal of waste or
effluents. Our employees also feel that our efforts are supporting
them and their children in the future. If all companies did the
same, the world would certainly be a healthier and better place."
"Why did we choose to be guided to ISO certification by IMSM?
Because they allowed us to keep it simple and to achieve results
fast. Our IMSM business manager was very knowledgeable and helpful
and answered every question. He quickly incorporated our systems
into a standardized model and then delivered no nonsense procedures
that we were able to use right away. The follow up ensured we were
on track. Both he and the assessor push us to drive to higher levels
and the system itself is self- checking so that at the end of the
day it is almost like you cannot make mistakes."
www.yorkmetalspinning.com
22/08/05
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