Precision Hydraulic Cylinders of Beulaville Recognized in 1B4NC Campaign

Precision Hydraulic Cylinders, Inc. (PHC) located in Beulaville reported an economic value of $11 million by adopting both quality and environmental management systems with the help of the NC State University IES.

This manufacturer of hydraulic cylinders used in mobile equipment applications, such as forklifts, backhoes and earth-moving equipment, has some pretty tough customers. As a supplier to original equipment manufacturers, Nissan, Toyota, and Mitsubishi, obtaining ISO 9001 (quality) and ISO 14001 (environmental) was not an option for PHC, it was a mandate.

In May of 2007, PHC successfully obtained certification for both quality and environmental management systems. One year after receiving the services that helped prepare PHC for ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, the company was surveyed by an independent third-party to learn the true value of their achievement.

The report concluded that PHC credits their management systems with generating $4 million in increased sales and $7 million in retention of sales based on the certifications. IES recognizes those companies that report an economic value of $1 million or greater with a 1B4NC award. 1B4NC is the IES promise-to create $1 billion in value to North Carolina industries in five years (2006-2010). To date, IES has generated $448 million in value for the state.

Retention of sales and new sales are admirable, but like many companies, PHC is interested in diversifying their market, becoming more “recession proof,” said Darin Sullivan, sales and marketing vice president. He sees growth in the agricultural and construction-based markets. “As India and China continue to grow their infrastructure, we see an opportunity to help provide the tools to make that happen,” said Sullivan.

The company has four facilities on three continents, so they realize the importance of appealing to a global market. “Our goal is total world domination in hydraulic cylinders,” said Sullivan.

ISO 9001 and 14001 receive company-wide support as their facilities in the U.K. and India are in the process of obtaining the certifications, as well.

“ISO helps keep us disciplined and better at tying up loose ends,” said Ronny Cottle, plant manager. It also helps us keep to our motto of ‘Always right, always on time.’” Keeping to that motto is a sure way to reach their goal of total world domination in hydraulic cylinders.