ISO CERTIFICATION

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A key to UltraFit's success is its ongoing investment in people and equipment.

And to support that philosophy UltraFit was one of the first aftermarket exhaust manufacturers to achieve ISO 9002 certification. The company has also done cross training of shop staff. Coupling that with the ISO certification programs the same employee has the ability to contribute to more than one area of production. In September 2002 UltraFit Manufacturing achieved ISO 9001:2000 Certification.

This training has enabled UltraFit employees to work in cells, which in turn results in reducing material and movement waste, and faster changeovers. For the employees they have a broader perspective of the operation, greater job stability and more enjoyment in what they do.

A second part of the lean manufacturing success formula is a streamlining of the production flow, which has resulted in a manufacturing facility that houses 50% more machinery within the same space.

To help achieve that, the shop floor was reorganized to reduce wasted material movements. Product is racked according to size and application. This gives a single source for pickers to access job materials quickly. And, while all parts are labelled, and quantities tracked by computer, a quick glance at any one production area gives an instant tally on inventory levels. This organization effort has led to reduced man hours per operation and increased capacity. Inventory turns are faster and with more set-up personnel than before, UltraFit is capable of two to three times more product number changeovers every day, therefore they can produce pipes in smaller run sizes.

There is also a serious commitment to new technology in the recent purchase of 3 Benders and a Plasma Punch.