JAC CUSTOM POUCHES, INC.: Investing in Quality Training to Achieve Future Growth
The certification and the process of ISO has strengthened our sense of purpose in the marketplace and our sense of purpose in the production environment.
-- Jay Garside, President
In 1981, JAC Custom Pouches, Inc. (www.jaccustompouches.com) was founded to make just one product, a custom tool pouch. Today, this family-owned business has grown to supply a variety of products including custom bags, operating room pads and hospital accessories to numerous industries. With design, manufacturing and fulfillment services all located in one facility, JAC Custom Pouches can instantly create custom products to fit all specifications. JAC Custom Pouches employs 80 at their Dowagiac, Mich., location.
Challenge
To further support new growth initiatives, JAC Custom Pouches identified a strategic advantage in achieving ISO 13485 certification. In the past, several customers had requested compliance to this standard and an increasing number of prospective clients were requiring certification to conduct business. Realizing the strategic importance of achieving this certification, JAC Custom Pouches contacted the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (The Center) for assistance.
Solution
To ensure their team possessed the skills needed to support the company’s growth goals and customers’ needs, JAC Custom Pouches invested in a variety of basic quality systems training courses at The Center. From floor personnel to leadership to quality, many staff members attended courses in Risk Management, Layered Process Audits, 8D Problem Solving and Core Tools. Through this training, workers were able to establish a more organized work environment with a stronger emphasis on quality management.
In addition to these classes, members of the team attended The Center’s ISO 13485 Internal Auditor training, which provided them with the tools and knowledge necessary to prepare their workplace for its eventual certification audit. After making these investments and changes in the facility, JAC Custom Pouches was able to pursue new opportunities for growth in the business, with many customers strengthening their loyalty to the organization.
Results
- • Cost Savings: $10,000
- • Retained Sales: $1.6M
- • New Investment: $23,000