Swenson Company, Inc. Increases Sales
through ISO 9001:2000 Registration
Headquartered in Raritan, New Jersey, Swenson Company Inc. is a plastic’s industry leader that has over $2.5 million in annual sales. V.H. Swenson, Jr. founded this 25-person company in 1945. Swenson manufactures injection molded plastic parts for a variety of industries including: automotive, electronic, pharmaceutical, food packaging and industrial components. The company has earned a reputation for being customer focused, highly responsive and competitive.
New Jersey Department of Labor referred Victor Swenson, President of Swenson Company, to the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, Inc. (NJMEP), a National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership network affiliate (NIST MEP). Swenson wanted to improve their internal business systems and develop avenues for new business by becoming ISO Registered.
NJMEP Field Agent, Joe Mastrianni, presented Swenson with a plan for them to become ISO 9001:2000 registered within the one-year time frame they requested. Using Mr. Mastrianni’s expertise in implementing ISO in the injection mold industry, as well Prism eSolutions, an ISO 9000 implementation resource, Swenson went through the process of becoming ISO registered. Mr. Mastrianni stated, “This was a team approach with Swenson Company, Prism eSolutions, and NJMEP to provide a quality ISO implementation program.” Victor Swenson and members of his staff were committed to this program throughout the duration.
The nine-month program concluded when Swenson Company achieved registration in February 2002. Lloyds of London audited Swenson and found the company to be fully compliant with the requirements of the ISO 9001:2000 standard. “This further demonstrates our commitment to delivering the highest quality injection molded plastic parts and I am quite proud of our accomplishment and our team’s effort”, explained Victor Swenson. He continued by stating, “I feel confident that the ISO designation will enable us to enter new markets and further grow the business.” Swenson expects to have a 35% sales gain as well as cost reductions of approximately $20,000. As part of their vendor management program a change in a compounded resin vendor was required. This change improved productivity by 20% and eliminated warped parts, which eliminated customer complaints. In addition, Swenson’s resin raw material cost was reduced by 11%. Continuous improvement practices put in place during the ISO program are a standard at the company. Other benefits include improved internal systems and future development of sales and marketing programs.
“Swenson is very dedicated to working with NJMEP, and believes NJMEP is one of the reasons the company remains in business”, stated Victor Swenson. NJMEP and Swenson are currently developing an eBusiness program, where NJMEP will provide their expertise.
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