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Noble Industries, located in Noblesville, Indiana, was founded in 1969 in a small barn. It was one of the first companies to produce aquarium stands using wrought iron, an innovation that became an industry standard and has led Noble Industries to greater successes.

The continued growth of the company from this humble beginning to today's modern 70,000 square foot facility is proof of its dedication and commitment to customer service. They strive to be a world-class preferred supplier for sheet metal fabrication and powder-coating customers. Their goal is to continue to be industry leaders through innovation and continual quality improvement of products and services.

Situation

Noble Industries is in a very competitive market and wished to improve its key manufacturing and support processes to increase overall efficiency and reduce waste.

Additionally, several of their existing customers demanded that the company become registered to the ISO 9001:2000 standard, or else lose their business. Also, the company identified new business, predicated upon successful registration.

Therefore, it was critical that the company develop and implement an ISO 9001:2000 quality management system, and do it in a timely manner. The numerous benefits realized from focusing on quality processes and products would have a ripple effect throughout every level of the company, including enabling the retention and expansion of their customer base.

Solution

Rick Ring, a quality assurance professional from Purdue University's Technical Assistance Program, was called in to provide ISO 9001:2000 training and implementation assistance to the company.

The services consisted of a gap assessment, documentation writing, implementation assistance, audit training, and a pre-registration assessment.

Purdue University worked closely with Noble Industries to produce a new quality management system that was based upon continual improvement and customer satisfaction, and suitable to their needs and the requirements of their customers.

Results

Noble Industries was certified by their registrar to ISO 9001:2000 in a remarkable five months! The company improved its manufacturing, purchasing, design, and contract review processes with new layouts and controls. They now have an ongoing process of preventive and corrective action, allowing them to constantly improve performance, and reduce waste.

By becoming registered to the ISO standard, this company has preserved business worth over $3,000,000 annually, procured new business estimated to be worth over $ 2,500,000 annually, retained 8 jobs, and clearly sees a potential of adding 10 new positions in the near term.

“Our certification to the ISO standard was greatly facilitated by Purdue's technical assistance program (TAP). The competent skills and professional leadership demonstrated by Rick Ring of that office while structuring and organizing our efforts could not have been better. I would highly recommend their services.”

- Bob Whitted, Quality Manager, Noble Industries