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[December 2002]
Ceramic Materials Leader Gains Another First in Quality Awards
Ferro (G.B.) Ltd - based in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, England - has set the pace again in the ceramic materials sector by gaining the first UK accreditation under the new ISO 9001-2000 Business Performance Quality Standard. In 1988, Ferro became the first UK ceramic glaze and colour supplier to be awarded the (then new) BS 5750 quality standard.ISO 9001-2000 is a new International Performance Standard designed to re-focus the whole organisation on the process of not simply stating a commitment to total quality assurance but to actually delivering on that commitment and to continually measuring the performance against challenging standards.
"It is both a Management Philosophy and a Process, embracing all employees and fostering a team commitment to delivering continuous customer satisfaction in a constantly changing market," commented Marketing Manager, David Harrison.
Over the past few years, Ferro has invested more than £5 million in its Burslem site, including £2 million in 2000 in expanding its manufacturing facilities and building state-of-the-art research and technical services laboratories. The Burslem plant is now producing high quality glazes, decorative colours and application media for the fine ceramics (tableware), tile, sanitaryware and glass industries in the UK and around the world, with over 30% of its output going into international markets.
Site Manager Kevin Davies said: "Gaining the new ISO Standard, together with continuous investment in resources, is a testimony to Ferro's ongoing commitment to not only its customers but also to Stoke-on-Trent. It demonstrates a faith in the city's ability to develop ground-breaking innovations in ceramic design, manufacturing processes and high value consumer products for a global marketplace".
ENDS