Client Stories: Kyocera SGS Precision Tools Gains True Business Partner in Smithers
Going forward we have developed a Multisite Sampling Plan and schedule for the entire three-year certification cycle for each certification and have finished the project sooner than expected. Smithers is viewed throughout the company as a true business partner.
- Roger Wright, Kyocera-SGS Precision Tool
About Kyocera – SGS Precision Tool
KYOCERA SGS Precision Tools (KSPT) is an ISO 9001:2015-certified manufacturer of industry leading round solid carbide cutting tools. KSPT is proud to have pioneered some of the world’s most advanced cutting tool technologies resulting from rigorous product, coating, and material testing within its Global Innovation Center. – via www.kyocera-sgstool.com
KSPT-G, produces precision cutting tools, then distributes them globally from multiple manufacturing facilities in North America. In the past, each of the facilities operated under a dedicated quality management system and was certified by various certification bodies.
The Challenges Kyocera-SGS Precision Tools Faced
In late 2019, KSPT management made the decision to combine the companies into a single business unit and began exploring options for implementing a unified ISO 9001 based quality management system throughout the organization. In addition to this project, all facilities under the KSPT banner were tasked with adding ISO 14001 environmental management systems and ISO 45001 occupational health and safety management systems to their processes and procedures at each location. A total of 16 ISO certifications were planned to be sought for achievement for the manufacturing group.
The Process
Initially, three certification bodies were contacted to discuss the best approach for streamlining our ISO 9001 certifications, ISO 14001 certifications, and our ISO 45001 certifications into a more manageable structure, with Smithers immediately becoming the leading candidate to partner with for the project.
Working closely with the Smithers’ Operations Team, a strategy was developed to begin auditing each facility under the KSPT umbrella, with the intent to transfer each ISO Certificate issued by other certification bodies to Smithers, while the main corporate quality management system was revised to broaden the scope and be inclusive of variation in the organization’s operations.
The Outcome
Smithers played a key role in developing a long-term plan to complete the task of reducing sixteen ISO certifications into a total of four. As of June of 2022, The KSPT-G manufacturing group is fully integrated into a single ISO 9001 certification covering seven facilities, an ISO 14001 certification covering eight facilities, and an ISO 45001 certification which also includes eight facilities.
"Going forward we have developed a Multisite Sampling Plan and schedule for the entire three-year certification cycle for each certification and have finished the project sooner than expected. Smithers is viewed throughout the company as a true business partner." - Roger Wright
“Smithers… a True Business Partner”
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