Understanding Spaceships—an ISO Certification Journey

“When we first started the ISO process it looked like some kind of strange spaceship out there, but what I realized is that it really helped me get clear about my job—that all of us already knew what we were doing; we just needed to document it.”
-- Michael Chastain, Machinist, AlphaTech, Fletcher, NC

Chastain is not the first person to feel anxious about the ISO certification process. In fact many employees at AlphaTech in Fletcher had similar reservations, as do many companies. But looking at it from the other side, all agree it is well worth the journey. The contract machining, tooling, and progressive dies company received ISO 9001:2000 certification this August, and both the company and its customers are reaping the benefits.

Employees are more empowered and better organized—they now have a clearer idea of expectations and a broader perspective. Because AlphaTech is ISO certified, customers and potential customers don’t need to conduct their own audits, saving time and manpower. It also makes AlphaTech a stronger competitor in the global market. In fact, having the certification played an important role in the company’s recent association with Honda Power Equipment.

AlphaTech manufactures several thousand parts in a 44,000 square foot facility that employs more than 40 people.

Their products range from exercise equipment to machine parts and automated equipment—they even manufacture an air exchange box for the mining industry. They serve global customers such as Eaton, Borg Warner, Teves, and ABB.

With a Little Help

It took AlphaTech about 2.5 years to achieve their ISO goal, and according to Al Worley, president of AlphaTech, it was hard to find the time to get it done. They partnered with several people, including hiring a full time management representative, Suzanne Anderson, who wrote procedures and conducted internal audits along the way. They also received an incumbent workforce grant from NC Department of Commerce, which allowed AlphaTech to hire other outside help to complete the certification.

IES helped the company with preparation and training. “NC State was hired to help us get this done and it’s the best thing that ever happened; the things we didn’t know, they did, and they were a great help,” said Worley.

NC State ISO specialist Phil Mintz appreciated the company’s perseverance and commitment. “They never gave up,” he said. “It was a strategic goal and it took the whole company to do it. It’s their system, they figured it out.”

Employees Speak Out

Art Kanupp, manufacturing manager, knows that ISO certification adds great value. “We needed to create systems that we follow consistently, and doing this makes us much stronger in the global market,” he said.

“Now we all know what to expect,” said Jeannine Burrell, administrative assistant. “It has helped shop morale because we were all included, and now we’re more comfortable asking questions. I’m excited because I like order and this really puts order in the company.”

“Employees are better trained now, and we kept them all involved as we went through this,” said Worley. “Everything is documented and it all flows, and that a great thing.”

What’s ISO 9001?

ISO 9001 (International Organization of Standardization) provides quality management standardization of activities that help international exchange of goods and services. Receiving certification means that processes are fully documented and consistent, and that there is a self-auditing component to assure long-term sustainable results.