Machining specialist among first to gain new accreditation
A sub-contact machinist has secured a new automotive quality accreditation.
Shropshire-based Muller Holdings has received an International Automotive Task Force (IATF) 16949 standard, which replaces the TS approval and is now being used by the main car manufacturers and tier 1s when awarding new contracts.
The company, who holds supplying CNC machines and high-volume parts for use in heavy duty braking systems, engines, electronics and door brackets, spent 12 months on the process, including 21 changes it was required to make.
IAFT will replace TS in September this year across all four of its UK sites and its factory in Manesar in India. This year, Muller Holdings plans to invest more than £500,000 into new technology.
As of 1 February, just over one quarter of all sites had their transition audit conducted, according to the International Automotive Task Force, while less than 20% of suppliers have obtained their transition certificate.
Stephen Lock, managing director of Muller South Wales, said the new standard is more risk-based, and covers risk evaluation and analysis across all aspects of the business.
“We recognised the need to achieve certification within a fairly narrow timeframe and set out plans to achieve this by carrying out a gap analysis and introducing new procedures and process controls that bridged the ‘gaps’,” Lock said.
“Comprehensive training plans were also rolled-out to get buy-in across all of our four sites in the Black Country, Shropshire, South Wales and Worcestershire. The end result has been worth it, with the IATF certification achieved before many of our major customers.”
