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Umicore Galvanotechnik sets new standards

An integral management system now links the subjects quality, environment and occupational health and safety.

In Schwaebisch Gmuend, a certified quality management system has been in existence since 1995. This system has now been extended into an Integrated Management System. At the end of January 2010, the combined certification in accordance with the standards OHSAS 18001:2007 (occupational health and safety management), ISO 14001:2004 (environmental management), and ISO 9001:2008 (quality management) was successfully achieved. While international standards for quality and environmental protection today are often part of enterprise standards already, a British proposal was not established until 2007 as an internationally recognized standard for occupational health and safety in approx. 80 countries worldwide. Therefore the degree of implementation in the individual companies has been low up to now.

An Integrated Management System (IMS) combines methods and instruments for the compliance with requirements from different areas (environmental, occupational health and safety and quality management) in a unified structure serving for managing and monitoring organizations. By utilizing synergies and concentrating resources, compared to individual, isolated management systems a leaner, more efficient management is possible. The advantage of this system is that the principle of "continuous improvement" as well as the risk assessment can be applied everywhere. This means that one implemented measure simultaneously produces improvements in several areas (e.g. quality, environment, occupational health and safety).

During a four-day "audit marathon" with three auditors from TÜV Rhineland present in Schwaebisch Gmuend, the functionality of the Integrated Management System was proved, happily straight away without any deviations at all.
"What makes us particularly proud is the very positive response to our new internet-based, electronic document management system" says Uwe Wohlfarth, Senior Manager EHS / QM. The auditors pointed out in particular the tidiness and cleanliness in all production halls, the highly modern and clean laboratory equipment and the application of CIP process improvement measures. The auditors confirmed the staff's high degree of understanding of their responsibilities towards customers, environment and themselves. By the consequent checking and improving of existing process sequences, sustainable improvements in efficiency and quality have been and will be reached. Since the introduction of CIP (continuous improvement process) in the middle of 2006, more than 4,000 measures have been defined and implemented.

Umicore Galvanotechnik GmbH in Schwaebisch Gmuend develops, produces and sells precious metal and base metal electrolytes, precious metal preparations as well as platinized titanium anodes and platinum coatings worldwide. "We are well aware of our special responsibility in the manufacture of our products. When we handle chemical products, protection of the environment and safety are our top priorities. These subjects are not new in our enterprise, they have a long tradition. The additional environmental and occupational health and safety certifications in accordance with internationally recognized standards are a consequent continuation of the company culture and management practised up to now" says Umicore Managing Director Thomas Engert.

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