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Manufacturing Innovation Blog
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Partnering with PRiMEX for AS9100D Certification and QMS Improvements
El-Com Systems Corp is a wholly-owned subsidiary of El-COM Systems Solutions based in California. The local company has been in Puerto Rico since 2016 operating in Caguas. The company is dedicated to manufacturing complex electro-mechanical sub-systems and assemblies for the global aerospace and defense industries. The company has 62 employees including operational and administrative personnel.
El-Com Systems Corp was required to implement and certify its quality management system in accordance with the international standards of AS9100D for the aerospace sector. The challenge was not only to achieve the ISO certification, but to achieve it simultaneously with an accelerated growth process, which required the hiring of additional employees for new production lines. Puerto Rico Manufacturing Extension, Inc. (PRiMEX), part of the MEP National NetworkTM, was recommended to provide support in this process.
PRIMEX first performed an AS9100D review (gap analysis) of El-Com’s quality management system and developed a working plan with all the actions, roles and responsibilities to successfully achieve the ISO certification audit. El-Com proposed a five (5) month aggressive schedule to become AS9100D certified to meet one of its defense customer’s requirements. PRIMEX played a critical role in helping navigate the requirements to meet El-Com’s and the customer’s due date.
PRIMEX provided quality management trainings, reviewed operating procedures and the required documentation and served as a lead auditor in support of the quality management system. The corrective action process was also reviewed and facilitated weekly status reports of the actions completed and in progress for the certification.
A final internal audit was made to assure compliance to standards and supported the company in the selection of a third-party auditor. Minor issues were found by the auditor, and corrective actions were completed and approved allowing for El COM’s certification within the required time frame. PRIMEX’s support throughout the process, provided the knowledge and capabilities needed for El-Com to become AS9100D certified.
Results
- Achieved AS9100D Certification in 5 months
- 62 jobs retained, 10 jobs created
- $3,000,000 in retained sales
- $1,500,000 in increased sales
- 2 new defense customers after the certification
Could your company benefit from assistance with becoming AS9100D certified? Connect with your local MEP Center for more information.
The Puerto Rico Manufacturing Extension Inc. is the official representative of the MEP National Network in Puerto Rico. The MEP National Network is a unique public-private partnership that helps small and medium-sized manufacturers generate business results and thrive in today’s technology-driven economy. The MEP National Network comprises the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP), the 51 MEP Centers located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
