Innovative Laminations Co., of New Bern Seals Quality into Each Sheet

In late August of 2008, Innovative Laminations Company, Inc., accepted a banner celebrating ISO 9001 registration from the North Carolina State University Industrial Extension Service (IES).

The registration helped the company increase their on-time delivery by 15 percent and improve their material efficiency by 20 percent, but perhaps most importantly, helped them manage their business more effectively.

Quality management systems, such as ISO 9001 are a business’ framework to ensure consistent product and effective service to customers. Since 98 percent of ILC’s business is custom orders, adapting a quality management system helped them understand how to maintain the highest level of quality to keep their customers returning.

The company which experienced a 40 percent growth last year, knew they needed a system in place to manage that growth. “We wanted a system that would grow with our company. ISO 9001 did that for us while proving our commitment to continuous improvement,” said Ronnie Buck, president.

The staff produces decorative laminates that are used in various markets. Their designs run the gamut from high tech-looks to metallics, wood grains, and burls. They also manufacture UV-resistant, scratch-resistant, thermoformable and printable laminates.

Nora Milley, extension specialist with NC State IES provided ISO 9001 training, internal auditing and pre-assessment services which helped the company prepare and ultimately receive registration.

“Nora’s a good coach and teacher,” said Buck. She gets results.

The standards provide quality management standardization of activities which facilitate the international exchange of goods and services. They also contain proven guidelines for developing and maintaining the highest level of customer satisfaction and a means for continuous improvement.

Innovative Laminations Company, Inc. is a custom designer and manufacturer of high quality, decorative plastic sheet and roll stock, supplying material to various markets including the marine, automotive, furniture, heavy truck, signage and point of purchase display industries.