Exacta Aerospace, Inc

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Description

Aerospace OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) operate in an environment that allows nothing short of total commitment to quality and performance. As a result, the industry has turned to AS9100 certification for their suppliers. The AS9100 standard contains all the requirements of ISO 9001:2000 plus nearly 100 requirements specific to the aerospace industry. In 2007, working with independent registrar SAI Global (now QMI-SAI Global), Exacta Aerospace achieved AS9100 certification. The result is a Quality Management System (QMS) that conforms to industry standards, has a strong program for continuous improvement and is committed to customer satisfaction. Achieving AS9100 registration is a significant accomplishment that provides Exacta with a competitive advantage and recognition in the aerospace industry. But more important was the opportunity to apply the principles throughout the company and set the bar even higher in working toward their vision of becoming a leading supplier in the aerospace industry. Under the guidance of Jarrod Young, Director of Quality Assurance, annual Quality Objectives are developed and implemented to promote employee involvement. Specific goals and programs are launched addressing everything from manufacturing efficiencies and delivery time to employee training and development. The program helps everyone at Exacta understand how important their role is in meeting the company’s commitment to their customers and providing for stability and growth within the organization. In March of 2010, Exacta would have the opportunity to test the success of this initiative through a recertification audit. The audit involves surveillance, interviews with employees and hours of document reviews by QMI-SAI Global. It also gives the employees a chance to demonstrate their understanding of processes and commitment to quality. While some companies may not be comfortable with the process, Exacta’s leadership knew their team would shine. As General Manager Ben Voegeli pointed out, “Many of the processes that are included in the QMS were developed or improved upon by the folks doing the work every day.” QMI-SAI Global Auditors Craig Stone and Sheila Miller spent several days on site at Exacta and interviewed a number of employees including CMM operator Matt Price, who really wowed them with his knowledge of the quality objectives and how they impact his job. Connie Ashcraft, Contracts Manager, not only spoke about the quality objectives but showed a clear understanding of specific processes in her area. In addition to the interviews, the auditors took time to observe the workers throughout the facility. In the Assembly Department, Rita Brooks, Assembly Mechanic performed her job following the established process perfectly as the auditor watched. The RDN database created by Database Administrator, Cheryl Zahn was cited by the auditors as a great example of multiple departments working together to identify a need for improvement and develop a tool to make that happen. In the end, the company was rewarded for their efforts by achieving recertification to AS9100 Rev. B:2004 and ISO 9001:2000 with a score of 97.2.

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