ISO 9001:2015 – A Cornerstone of Excellence for Manufacturers

Having a reputation for high-quality is one of the ways our customers value partnership with Wesgar. As a custom sheet metal manufacturer, quality is not just an empty promise used to sell our services, it is backed by demonstrated and continuous investment and improvement in our quality management system to not only meet, but exceed our partners’ expectations.

At the heart of quality management systems worldwide stands ISO 9001:2015, a standard that has transformed how manufacturing companies operate. But what exactly is this certification, and why should it matter to you when selecting a manufacturing partner for your custom sheet metal needs

Understanding ISO 9001:2015

ISO 9001:2015 is the internationally recognized standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS), developed and published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

This framework establishes criteria for a quality management system based on key principles:

• Customer focus: Understanding current and future customer needs
• Leadership: Establishing unity of purpose and direction
• Engagement: Ensuring quality competence and empowerment at all levels
• Process approach: Managing activities as interconnected processes
• Improvement: Maintaining a permanent focus on continuous improvement
• Evidence-based decision making: Basing decisions based on data analysis
• Relationship management: Managing relationships with stakeholders, customers, resources, and third parties

At Wesgar, ISO 9001:2015 provides a structured approach to ensuring consistent quality across all aspects of operations, from material sourcing to final product delivery.

What ISO 9001:2015 Certification Means in Practice

When a manufacturer achieves ISO 9001:2015 certification, it conveys crucial commitment to:

• Documented Quality Processes
  Every critical process, from quoting to material handling, fabrication, finishing, assembly, and shipping follows standardized, documented procedures. This results in less guesswork, fewer errors, and greater consistency.
• Risk Mitigation
  The standard requires organizations to identify potential issues before they occur. In sheet metal fabrication, this translates to proactive measures that prevent costly defects, material waste, and production delays.
• Continuous Improvement Culture
  ISO 9001:2015 embeds a philosophy of ongoing development. Certified manufacturers routinely evaluate their performance, seeking opportunities to refine processes and elevate quality standards.
• Leadership Commitment
  Management must demonstrate active involvement and participation in quality initiatives. As leaders, they are accountable for supporting quality at all levels of the organization with clear direction and ensuring resources are adequately allocated for quality improvements.
• Employee Engagement
  ISO 9001:2015 requires all personnel in the organization understands their roles in quality outcomes and receive appropriate and updated training to fulfill their responsibilities effectively.

The Value of Partnering with an ISO 9001:2015 Certified Manufacturer

Direct Cost Savings
The hidden value of consistent quality is not generally listed on an itemized quote, but can quickly add additional cost and resources in several areas if it is not met. The structured approach of ISO 9001:2015 drives significant cost reductions with:

• Reduced Rework: Properly documented procedures and quality checks minimize errors that require costly corrections. Studies show ISO 9001 implementation can reduce rework by up to 50%.
• Lower Scrap Rates: Improved process control means less material waste. Certified manufacturers typically see 20-30% reductions in scrap metal.
• Decreased Warranty Claims: Higher quality products minimizes installation failures and warranty costs, often reducing claims by 25-40%.
• Streamlined Operations: Efficiency improvements from standardized processes can reduce production time by 10-15%, directly lowering labor costs.
• Optimized Resource Allocation: Better planning and process management ensure materials and human resources are utilized effectively, resources are not diverted from other value projects, and shipments are not delayed.

Beyond Direct Costs
The benefits of working with an ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturer extend far beyond the immediate financial considerations, including:

• Consistent Quality: You can expect the same high quality standards with every order.
• Enhanced Traceability: Critical for regulatory compliance and problem resolution.
• Improved Delivery Performance: Systematic and well managed processes lead to more reliable delivery timelines.
• Risk Mitigation: Reduced likelihood of quality issues affecting your production schedule or end customers.
• Simplified Supplier Management: The certification provides assurance of quality practices, reducing your need for extensive supplier auditing.

Organizations implementing ISO 9001:2015 for the first time have reported the results of certification and how it has positively impacted their business:

• Average reduction in overall operating costs: 15-20%
• Typical improvement in customer satisfaction metrics: 25-30%
• Reduction in customer complaints: 30-50%
• Productivity gains: 7-25%

For many average sized custom sheet metal fabrication projects, these improvements can translate to tens of thousands in saved costs.

Making ISO 9001:2015 Work for You

As a ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturer, Wesgar demonstrates our commitment to quality and the standard by:

• Providing access to Process Documentation relevant to your projects
• Discussing our quality metrics and how they compare to industry benchmarks
• Engaging in joint improvement initiatives to ensure continuous improvement for your supply
• Reviewing any corrective action processes to ensure you understand how issues are addressed
• Aligning our high quality to your expectations right from the start

The Wesgar Advantage

In an industry where precision, consistency, and reliability are crucial, ISO 9001:2015 certification represents more than compliance with a standard, it embodies a philosophy of operational excellence that delivers tangible results.

By investing in quality at Wesgar, our partners have achieved:

• Reduced lead times
• Increased end-use customer re-orders
• Improved DPPM (defective parts per million)
• Reduced warranty claims
• Less inspections and oversight needed
• Reduced allocation of resources needed to manage process
• Icreased profitability

ISO 9001:2015 certification is a strategic decision that drives cost savings, enhances product performance, and sustainably strengthens your competitive position.

When you partner with Wesgar, you’re not just getting metal components, you’re gaining an ally that’s committed to ensuring your products are delivered with a consistently high-quality standard every time.

Ready to reduce costs and increase quality for your custom sheet metal products? Let’s talk.