Wheelabrator demonstrates 100% customer dedication

Wheelabrator is delighted to add another important certification to its portfolio by recently gaining the prestigious AS/EN9100 aerospace Quality Management System accreditation to perform sub contract finishing of customer parts at its Birmingham site.

Not only has it achieved this high-status endorsement but qualified with an impressive 100% score, meaning no non-conformances were identified and top marks were attained!

AS9100 is a widely adopted and standardised quality management system for the aerospace industry. This approval recognises the people, procedures and processes the Birmingham site has implemented to deliver products that meet and exceed the expectations of clients in the aerospace industry.

Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance (LRQA), the certification body that carried out the assessment, identified Wheelabrator's strong points as follows:  "The system is mature and effective. Evidence was seen regarding the introduction of, and commitment to, continual improvement initiatives. The technical process for vibratory finishing comes across as well planned and robust, in particular with regard to the use of detailed product trials and obtaining customer acceptance before proceeding with the processing of product. There is a very good focus on meeting customer requirements and no improvement opportunities are recorded at present."

Wheelabrator established a dedicated three-strong assessment committee at the Birmingham site, their 12 month bid to secure the accreditation culminating in a two day in-depth audit at the site to ensure the implementation of common practices.

Paul Upton, Quality & Systems Manager, Wheelabrator Group, headed the group's campaign and regularly attended task group meetings with experts involved in maintaining the scheme. Paul commented: "Our customers can be confident with Wheelabrator's total commitment to quality products and service; AS9100 is one of the key milestones of our strategic plan to develop a successful aerospace customer portfolio, alongside motorsport, automotive and other adjacent market clients."

Colin Worthington, General Manager, Wheelabrator Plus, another member of the assessment committee, added: "We're delighted to have secured this prestigious accreditation which will promote and strengthen our relationships with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and fellow AS / EN 9100 accredited suppliers. While we already conform to the ISO9001 standard, this new endorsement of our equipment and processes is an added reassurance of the exceptional service we provide."

Wheelabrator owns, designs, manufactures and provides wheelblast, airblast and vibratory mass finishing equipment for surface preparation and cleaning, and serves a variety of sectors, including the aerospace, automotive, medical and renewable energy industries. Wheelabrator's after-care division, Wheelabrator Plus provides customers with shotblast spare parts, service and services.