Leading Components Supplier Achieves Vital Certification to Revised Automotive Quality Standard

Birmingham-based Cameron Price is a leading supplier of automotive components. Established in 1960 as a precision plastic component injection-moulder and assembly manufacturer, it enjoys strong direct relationships with Tier 1 vehicle manufacturers, working alongside them on new developments and vehicle platforms with products including a range of complex safety-critical items. An innovative approach to customers’ design, manufacturing and production issues, together with heavy investment in new technology, ensures continued market leadership and an envied reputation. Since a management buyout in 2015 led by Managing Director Barry Moor, the company has moved up the value chain by supplying more assembled parts on a just-in-time basis in support of today’s agile manufacturing processes. It also supplies a number of other markets including fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), sports equipment, medical, electrical and industrial. WHY DID CAMERON PRICE REQUIRE IATF 16949 CERTIFICATION? As well as having both ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification, the international quality and environmental management system standards, Cameron Price is a long-time holder of ISO/TS 16949 certification – a prerequisite in the automotive supply chain and therefore core to its day-to-day business operations. IATF 16949 will transition to the new standard in 2018, which represents a major revision requiring a full review of policies and procedures by all suppliers. WHY SGS UNITED KINGDOM LTD? The rules for IATF 16949 transition meant that SGS would continue to provide the automotive standard certification. SGS had witnessed at first-hand improvements already made, particularly in the period following the management buyout. Barry Moor commented: “It’s a real benefit to work consistently with the same organisation, as it helps when they can see we are genuinely adopting the standards for the better of the business and the customer.” THE PROCESS In the context of certification to the revised IATF 16949 standard, Cameron Price’s stakeholders are its workforce at all levels, and its suppliers. An internal team was assembled to carry out the work required to review the standard and ensure the entire plant was prepared for the qualification audit. As is the case with readying for any audit, this involved hard work in the face of tight timescales, especially as team members all have regular ‘day jobs’ in the company. Barry Moor recalls: “We have a great team that worked hard on reviewing the standard, and ensuring the entire plant was ready. They project managed the process well and delivered a great result.” Commenting on SGS: “Working with SGS was a great experience … we found them to be open for discussion, friendly and professional in their approach. They made what could be a daunting experience less so. They made the process friendly and easy to understand, they helped us to interpret new areas of the certification and ensure that we were robust in our evidence.” HOW TRANSITIONING HAS BENEFITTED THE ORGANISATION Apart from the industry requirement and customers’ expectations that the standard be achieved, the audit – and preparation for it – also helped Cameron Price to identify the presence of any gaps, or whether any departure from the process had taken place. Transitioning has allowed the company to redefine some key processes which will enhance operational performance going forward. Having transitioned to the revised standard at the first attempt with relatively few minor issues, has given Cameron Price a sense of pride. Barry Moor sums up: “If the standard is implemented correctly it enhances a business. I advise other businesses considering transitioning to hurry up as the clock is ticking. However, if this is your first attempt at gaining IATF 16949 then embrace it, the standard will definitely improve your operational performance and business understanding.” ABOUT SGS SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 95,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,400 offices and laboratories around the world.

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