Early compliance with new standards demonstrates commitment to quality

19/03/2003

Maccaferri Ltd, specialists in retaining structures, slope reinforcement and erosion protection, is continuing to demonstrate its commitment to the highest levels of quality and customer satisfaction.

One of the first geotechnical design and supply specialists to achieve the ISO 9001 International Quality Management Standard, the company has now been awarded the new ISO 9001:2000 registration. With the introduction of the revised standard, companies with existing registrations against the 1994 version must upgrade by the end of 2003 if they wish to maintain their status as an ISO 9001 registered company.

The new standard places even greater importance on quality management and customer satisfaction. Whilst the previous standard was procedure driven, ISO 9001:2000 is process based and takes a more strategic approach with the emphasis on achieving business objectives through management driven, customer-focused quality systems.

Commenting on the new accreditation, Richard Greenford, Maccaferri's Managing Director, said: "A great deal of time and effort has been invested in meeting the new standard. That initial hard work is now paying off as it becomes the accepted way we do things bringing real benefits to both the business and our customers."

Previously confined to the company's UK headquarters and main operations site in Oxford, registration has been extended to include the regional offices in Perth and Belfast. The registration covers geotechnical design and the supply of retaining structures, erosion protection works and soil reinforcement systems to the construction industry.

Including design within the scope of the assessment allows Maccaferri to offer potential clients the added value of a fully registered geotechnical design service, which has been independently assessed via an accredited certification body.

The formal upgrade audit was conducted over 1½ days during February. An assessor from SGS United Kingdom Ltd - Systems and Services Certification Division examined every aspect of Maccaferri's quality management system, including the contributions made by management, employees and suppliers to meeting customer needs and compliance with measurable business objectives.

The UK arm of the Maccaferri Industrial Group, Maccaferri Ltd specialises in the full range of products for retaining structures, slope reinforcement and erosion protection. The company offers an in-house design and consulting service.

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