ADVANCED BLENDING SOLUTIONS: Company Dedicated to ISO 9001 Certification
Through their support, Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center/Northern Initiatives has become part of the ABS team. Together, we are building and growing a world class manufacturing center in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan – a place most people don’t expect. Our team is competing and winning on a global scale.
-- Mike Rasner, CEO
Located in Wallace, Michigan, Advanced Blending Solutions (ABS) designs, manufactures, and supplies blending and convey equipment for the plastics industry. Led by owner and CEO, Mike Rasner, the company has grown rapidly from its inception in 2009. With a commitment to “absolute accuracy,” the ABS team includes 85 skilled trade workers and project engineers in Michigan and additional sales representatives in four US regions. Since ABS fills a valuable niche in the industry and has operated at a level of unsurpassed quality, they have seen a sales increase of 900% since 2010.
Challenge
Rasner knew consistently providing quality products and service would be the key to maintaining ABS’ trajectory. He also knew gaining ISO 9001:2008 certification would solidify their high standards for the future. The process of preparing for certification involves every aspect of business operations and includes specialized software and potentially new equipment. Thus, it is a rigorous and expensive commitment.
Solution
In 2015, the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center’s Upper Peninsula office, Northern Initiatives, partnered with ABS in their ISO journey by providing a consultant who helped ABS implement ISO within their facility. Following the initial partnership in 2015, the relationship has led to additional projects with ABS and Northern Initiatives.
Results
- ABS is on track to complete certification in the 3rd quarter of 2017 and is already demonstrating significant impacts from certification-related process improvements.
- Expanded their employee team from 75 to 85 people in 2016.
- Expanded manufacturing, R&D and office facilities from 25,000 to 41,000 square feet since 2012 and expanding to include an additional 40,000 sq. ft in July 2017.
- Improved consistency in product quality such that the company realized $75,000 in savings of warranty and off quality expenses from 2015 to 2016.