Florida MEP: Florida Manufacturing Extension Partnership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 6, 2010

For more information please contact:
Muriel Mosher
murielm@timewisems.com
207-623-0680

Advanced Technologies Group Achieves ISO 9001 Certification with Training with Florida MEP

CELEBRATION, FL - Assisted by the Florida Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Florida MEP), one of Florida’s leading aerospace engineering and technology firms announced today that it has achieved ISO 9001:2008 and AS9100 certification. Advanced Technologies Group, Inc. of Stuart, Florida, an award-winning research and development company, recently passed its ISO audit, demonstrating that ISO certification is not limited to large corporations and manufacturers.

“Advanced Technologies’ certification was a notable achievement for a small engineering research and design company that focuses on highly specialized technologies,” said Richard Peck, chair of the Florida MEP board of directors. “Small firms sometimes feel as though the ISO requirements were written for large corporations, but ATGI’s success proves that any size firm can attain ISO certification with the proper training and a commitment to excellence.”

Advanced Technologies specializes in developing innovative technologies for aerospace and defense clients in response to challenges that defy conventional solutions. NASA and the Defense Department are major clients. The firm’s products include optical mass gauge sensors that can be used in zero-gravity environments, such as in satellites and rockets, and non-contacting seals that can be used in military and commercial gas-turbine engines. In addition, ATGI develops custom Ram Air Turbines (RAT) for power generation. ATGI is currently funded by NAVAIR to produce a low drag 60 kW RAT for the EA18G aircraft. The firm also provides outsource engineering, prototype development and testing services.

“Attaining ISO certification can sometimes be challenging for small technology firms because of the documentation requirements,” said John Justak, president of Advanced Technologies. “But the Florida MEP staff was terrific in guiding us through the process. They identified funding that was available to help support the cost of the training program and worked patiently with us to implement the management practices and documentation procedures necessary for ISO certification.” After designing the initial training program, Florida MEP identified available funding from the Florida Incumbent Worker Training Program and helped Advanced Technologies successfully apply for a grant.

“We’re very pleased with the level of service we received from the Florida MEP. Their experience and professionalism ensured that the project ran smoothly and met its goals. We would definitely use them again for future projects,” Justak stated. Florida MEP Project Manager Phyllis Morese noted the extensive experience her organization has in guiding companies through the ISO certification process.

“One of the strengths Florida MEP brings to projects like this is our long track record of helping small manufacturers and engineering firms attain ISO certification,” Morese said. “We know from experience that small firms can implement the management processes and documentation procedures with the right training and guidance. That’s a special strength Florida MEP brings to every ISO project.”

ISO credentialing brought a radically new approach to quality assurance by elevating the concept of process management. The standard embodies the recognition that quality isn’t best achieved merely by inspecting the final product but, instead, requires a management strategy that integrates quality into the entire business system. It requires the active involvement of senior executives, not just the delegation for quality assurance to junior managers; and it places a priority on performance metrics, so that companies can quantitatively measure the effectiveness of tasks and activities.

“There’s no question in my mind that companies like Advanced Technologies that achieve ISO 9001:2008 and AS9100 certification are better equipped to thrive in today’s competitive global market,” said Florida MEP Project Manager Wilhelm Barb, who delivered training to Advanced Technologies employees. “ISO-certified companies establish systems for continual process improvement; they find ways to effectively control costs; and they track customer satisfaction to ensure that their products and services meet and or exceed client expectations. Companies that commit to doing these things are the winners in today’s economy.”

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) based in Geneva, Switzerland, is the source of the ISO 9000 family of quality management standards. ISO is a network of national standards institutes from 146 countries working in partnership with international organizations, governments, industry, business and consumer representatives.

“Advanced Technologies Group is an integral part of Martin County’s aviation/aerospace sector. They add greatly to the culture of innovation that thrives in this community,” said Ron Bunch, executive director of the Business Development Board of Martin County. “We are pleased that ATG benefited from services through Florida MEP and know their improved processes will make them even more competitive in their marketplace. Congratulations to John and his team.”

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