The Optimas facility in Bredbury, UK, has been awarded VDA 6.2 accreditation in acknowledgement of its high-quality standards and commitment to continuous improvement.
This forms part of a growing network of Optimas facilities that carry the accreditation in Europe and Asia. As a key supplier to many prestigious automotive OEMs and tier 1 suppliers, this demonstrates the commitment that Optimas OE Solutions LLC has made to the industry and its customers.
The accreditation is a German quality management standard initiated by the automotive industry. Based on the requirements of ISO 9001, it adds further conditions around product and service quality. The standard is an assurance to OEMs that a supplier can deliver a consistent and high-quality service in all transactions and is relevant to all suppliers to the automotive industry, from dealerships to logistics providers.
Andrew Woolley, key account manager at Optimas, managed the accreditation process for Optimas at Bredbury. He explains: “Much like ISO 9001, the standard involves checks across every department, measuring performance against agreed key performance indicators (KPIs) and checking for consistent, sustainable improvement. As a full service logistics provider of fasteners and C-class components, we had to demonstrate not just the quality of all our components but also the quality of our supplier relations, quality assurance, and testing procedures. This is in addition to the proof of quality relating to our engineering and management practices, accounts, HR and, of course, logistics and on-site support.”
The initial certification process for VDA 6.2 involves one year of performance measurement and analysis with a proven trend for improvement across every department in the business. The accreditation is awarded by an independent certification body and shall be re-tested every year for it to remain valid.
Optimas has been working in the automotive industry for over 30 years, supplying parts and services to many of the most highly regarded German, British and American automotive brands. Until now the VDA 6.2 accredited facilities have been limited to Optimas facilities in Germany and China. The decision to extend the accreditation to the UK was made as part of a strategy to grow the service offering provided to a luxury automotive brand owned by a German manufacturer.
Will joined Fastener + Fixing Magazine in 2007 and over the last 15 years has experienced every facet of the fastener sector - interviewing key figures within the industry and visiting leading companies and exhibitions around the globe.
Will manages the content strategy across all platforms and is the guardian for the high editorial standards that the Magazine is renowned.
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