eMatrix: Implementing the Fundamentals of IATF 16949 During Rapid Growth
We have been hiring new technicians for several months and had to quickly train them and keep good records of their evolving competencies. We also had to ensure they are aware of their impact on product quality and give them a path to grow within the company. All those were streamlined by the IATF processes we developed as a result of the training. It made the rapid growth less painful than we expected.
-- Harry Tsamaidis, Director of Manufacturing
eMatrix (www.ematrixenergy.com) is a global energy technology company providing custom and affordable energy storage packaging solutions for battery-powered transportation and stationary applications. Founded in May 2016, its innovative eBrick™ stackable structural battery enclosure allows battery packs to be customized to meet an application’s unique energy needs. eMatrix employs 17 at their headquarters in Southfield, Mich.
Challenge
eMatrix was experiencing exponential growth with their existing business. They also were seeking opportunities for expansion and identified the battery-powered transportation market as a huge opportunity for development. eMatrix knew they would need to establish a robust Quality Management System (QMS) to make this transition successful and easier. So, when deciding to implement a QMS, they set their sights on IATF 16949.
Solution
By understanding that implementing a QMS is no simple task, eMatrix reached out to the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (The Center) for guidance. Nearly half of their staff from various departments participated in The Center’s IATF 16949:2016 Organizational Implementation Program. Conducted both onsite and virtually, this training included seven days of reviewing requirements, developing a quality policy statement, executing implementation strategies and more, as well as four days of Internal Auditor training.
Idan Kovent, eMatrix’s President and CEO, is pleased with his company’s growth. “Obviously, business growth can be difficult, but it’s a great ‘problem’ for us to have – and it happened while moving to our new, larger facility. Elements of IATF 16949 that we have implemented have helped us a lot.”
With all the growth, eMatrix has pushed back their IATF certification date. In the meantime, they have applied the processes of what they have learned during their move to their larger facility.
Chief Technology Officer, Matt Griffith, added, “Though a lot of things changed during the move to the new facility, many of the base processes stayed the same. That continuity made the move slightly less stressful.”
Results
- New Sales: Acquired 5 new customers, 5% increase in sales
- New Employees: 10
- Retained Employees: 7
- IATF 16949 training assisted in the seamless relocation of the facility for minimal business interruption