Norgren, one of the largest global manufacturers of pneumatic and process control systems and equipment, has been awarded the prestigious QS9000 quality standard at three of its plants - Lichfield (UK), Balterswil (Switzerland) and Sao Paulo (Brazil). The award builds on the success of Norgren's plant in Fellbach (Germany), which attained QS9000 status three years ago. Developed in the 1990s by Ford, Chrysler and General Motors, QS9000 is a highly valued tool.
Norgren upgraded its systems to comply with QS9000 because all four plants produce pneumatic components for the automotive and trucking industries.
Incorporating the widely recognised ISO9000 standard, QS9000 also includes standards specific to the automotive industry.
Before any parts are supplied, Norgren submits details of its production, parts and approvals processes, along with parts submission warranties (PSWs) to its customers.
Once the customer signs this off, Norgren is entitled to supply the goods.
Says Alan Keffler, UK company systems manager: "Norgren has evolved over the years from being a component manufacturer to a full service provider, and attaining QS9000 is a fine example of the company recognising the needs of its customers and meeting those needs."