Stelco Hardy, a division of Outokumpu Stainless, has achieved accreditation from the British Standards Institute confirming that the company operates a Quality Management systems which complies with the requirements of ISO9001:2000. "This was the first step in achieving our broader Business objective of attaining certification to the more demanding requirements of ISO/TS16949:2002 the Quality Management systems with specific requirements for the Automotive industry, comments Brian Edy - Business Manager.

From the very outset of the project, it was clear that the new standard related to the entire Business and was not just a matter for the Operations and Commercial teams. Accordingly, a process management approach was adopted, with Business processes identified and process owners established from each function within the company. This team approach worked very well, although, Richard Kingdom deserves a special mention for the way in which he effectively managed and executed the entire project."

"The use of proprietary document control software greatly assisted the process of conversion from ISO9002 to ISO9001 and the transition went quite smoothly. Of course the next transition to the TS standard will be more challenging. It was very pleasing to gain such a high level of support from colleagues in all areas of the company and especially from Richard Barrett who has been assisting me in the project - Richard Kingdom – Quality Technician".

" The contribution made by all employees was well supported by the very clear commitment of the local management – that in itself made the task more straightforward, comments Richard Barrett – formerly of AvestaPolarit –Panteg)."

The project to achieve accreditation to ISO/TS16949 is well advanced and the company anticipates achieving certification during the spring of 2004.

Brian Edy
Business Manager
20 January 2004