Powerbrace Corporation, a manufacturer and distributor of truck trailer components, including lockrods, hinges, cams and keepers, has achieved its ISO 9001:2008 certificate of registration.
The company, located in Kenosha, Wisconsin, implemented a year-long push for quality assurance throughout the plant in 2010, earning its ISO certificate in April.
Powerbrace’s ISO effort “raises the bar for quality in truck trailer components such as lockrods and hinges, two of our primary types of products,” according to Paul Meixensperger, sales and marketing manager. “Powerbrace enjoys a trusted reputation for quality. With ISO certification we stepped up that trust.”
This continuing focus on quality in both products and service was initiated by Powerbrace president and general manager Mike Weber and implemented by Tami Meeleus, plant manager. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) assessed Powerbrace against a quality assurance model made up of 20 acts of quality system requirements.
ISO certification requires a quality system that is understood and followed at all levels of the company and by all employees. Meeleus focused on training new and existing employees, cross training people on multiple jobs, and looking at opportunities for improvement by establishing Friday sessions. She firmly believes, “It’s all about building a team approach.”
The same month that Powerbrace earned its ISO status, was also the company’s best sales month in its 50-year history.