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In March 2009, Metaltech Precision Engineers gained AS 9100 Revision B Certification, an internationally recognised quality management standard for the aerospace industry.

Alec Hill, Operations Manager at Metaltech, said: “We’re delighted to achieve this highly regarded standard; AS 9100 helps us to further strengthen our performance and quality, and constantly move forward to be the best we can.”

AS 9100

The International Aerospace Quality Group developed the AS 9100 series to meet the stringent quality requirements of the aerospace industry. Building on the established ISO 9001:2000 quality standards, AS 9100 specifically addresses the industry’s safety, reliability, and quality concerns.

AS 9100 covers areas such as the design and manufacture of components and equipment, as well as overhaul and maintenance.

Metaltech – Sub-contract Machining and Sub-assembly

The company is based in Hailsham, East Sussex, and since its formation in 1976, Metaltech Precision Engineers has specialised in the machining, turning, grinding, treatment, sub-assembly and inspection of metal components. These include gear housings, cylinder heads, motor housings, gearboxes, pistons, shafts and flanges.

As an example of their work, Metaltech recently completed the precision machining of six pump units for the Flowplant Group Astute project. These are being fitted to the Royal Navy’s new Astute class submarines.

Assessment and Certification

Metaltech has ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management System (QMS) certification and is an approved supplier for Eaton Aerospace and Rolls-Royce.

“We decided to go for AS 9100 as well to support our expansion into new markets such as aerospace. None of our direct competitors have AS 9100 certification so we felt this would give us a competitive edge,” Alec Hill shared.

Metaltech began preparing for assessment by conducting a gap analysis to see where they fell short of the standard. They then set about filling the gaps and refining their existing QMS.

Alec Hill explained: “Our ISO 9001:2000 QMS and our involvement with Rolls-Royce and Eaton Aerospace meant we were already meeting most AS 9100 requirements, so it was mainly a matter of expanding our documented procedures. Our staff was also closely involved in preparing for assessment and fine-tuning processes.”

AS 9100 Assessment

An AS 9100 assessment has two aims: to validate QMS compliance and implementation and to determine QMS effectiveness.

Metaltech selected SGS United Kingdom Ltd as independent third-party assessor to carry out AS 9100 assessment.

“We chose SGS simply because they were and always have been our certification body,” said Alec Hill. “SGS’s assessor was thorough and this has helped us to continue improving our QMS since the assessment.”

Targeted Improvements

Metaltech uses its AS 9100 standard QMS to monitor and improve efficiency and quality. Over the next few months they plan to pay particular attention to reducing the amount of rejected work and scrap metal. Initial analysis in this area has already identified some operator training requirements.

Benefits of AS 9100

Quality and credibility – Alec Hill said: “Several of our clients, such as Siemens, were very pleased when we gained certification. During their initial enquiries about us and our capabilities, our planned move towards AS 9100 was a key factor in convincing them of our commitment to continual improvement.

“Customers value our guaranteed quality and our ongoing use of AS 9100 to enhance staff training, production, materials handling, quality control and delivery,” he added.

Improved processes – Metaltech has introduced lean manufacturing techniques to increase productivity. Staff training has been improved, and instead of being addressed at a management level, health and safety issues are now dealt with at staff level.

Improved materials traceability – “Metaltech’s staff ensures traceability from material purchase right through to delivery,” Mr. Hill said. “We’ve improved this to such an extent that several of our customers now depend on us to be the holder of all traceability records.”

Staff involvement and commitment – AS 9100 involves and motivates staff by defining roles and responsibilities. “Our staff members have really taken on board everything associated with AS 9100,” he expressed. “They ensure procedures are followed – now they just wouldn’t have it any other way!”

For more information please contact:

SGS United Kingdom Ltd
SGS House
217-221 London Road
Camberley
Surrey
GU15 3EY
United Kingdom
t: +44 (0) 1276 697999
f: +44 (0) 1276 697696
Email SGS UK