Transition to New Quality Standard Leads to Increase in Sales
About
Stemco specializes in the production of wheel end components, brakes, and suspension systems for commercial vehicles and trailers. Based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with around 75 employees, Stemco is an ISO-9001 certified company. The global manufacturer uses customer-driven solutions to increase technological innovation and improve standards for safety and performance.
The Challenge
Stemco needed to update its Quality Management System (QMS) to meet the requirements of the 2015 revision of the ISO-9001 standard. For assistance in identifying gaps between their current system and the new requirements, Stemco reached out to the University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services (UT CIS), a division of the Tennessee Manufacturing Extension Partnership (TMEP) and part of the MEP National Network.
MEP's Role
A solutions consultant from UT CIS worked with the Stemco team to analyze the ISO 9001:2015 requirements and develop a transition plan for moving the company to the new standard. A gap analysis revealed areas for improvement, and the consultant recommended specific revisions to the company’s QMS to ensure compliance with ISO 9001:2015.
With these revisions, Stemco gained access to potential customers that require their suppliers to have a QMS that conforms to the latest ISO standard. In addition, UT CIS connected the company to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and other organizations in the area to help expand the company’s reach. Stemco retained its current business and found new opportunities to increase sales.
RESULTS
- Increased sales of $250,000
- Retained sales of $27,000,000