Another Krones subsidiary awarded global TÜV certification

The internationally recognized IMS certificate for quality, environmental protection and occupational safety has been to the Krones subsidiary Krones Machinery Co. LTD in Taicang/China. (L-R): Christian Striegl, vice-president international sales TÜV SÜD, Klaus Gerlach, managing director of Krones Taicang, Volker Kronseder, CEO Krones AG, Wolfgang Hock, CFO TÜV SÜD, and executive board member Markus Tischer.

Following the successful certification of the Brazilian subsidiary Krones do Brasil Ltda., Krones’ Chinese subsidiary, Krones Machinery Co. Ltd. in Taicang has been awarded its initial certification with the IMS Certificate for Quality (DIN EN ISO 9001), Environmental Protection (DIN EN ISO 14001) and Occupational Safety (BS OHSAS 18001). Krones Inc. in Franklin, WI, US, is set to follow by the end of 2014.

“This means the international project is well on the way to reaching a successful conclusion before the end of this year,” explains Christian Striegl, TÜV SÜD vice-president of international sales, speaking at the official handing-over of the certificate to Krones.

Krones has been extending its integrated management system (IMS)—introduced at the German plants in 2009—to cover its facilities abroad as well. The widely diversified spectrum ranges from energy-saving measures to raising all staff’s awareness for quality, environmental protection and occupational safety.

The certification audit was conducted December 2-4, 2013 with three auditors from TÜV SÜD Management Services subjecting the Krones Taicang facility, and even a client’s own site, to a thorough examination.

Result: at the Taicang facility, Krones has put in place an outstandingly effective management system for quality, environmental protection, occupational safety and prophylactic health care. Milestones for the introduction of an IMS included investment in a central warehouse for hazardous substances and chemicals, the introduction of TPM projects, and the auditing of the company’s vendors. Measures involved in TPM (Total Productive Management), which came in for particular praise from the TÜV SÜD team, were the increase in machine availability levels, optimization of production costs coupled with a simultaneous rise in product quality, a general reduction in waste quantities, less noise in the generator room, and reduced dust levels in the production operation, intensive courses in occupational safety and environmental protection, with monthly monitoring of performance, and excellent contingency planning for emergencies.

“IMS has been taken fully on board at Krones, and encouraged by the management,” said a congratulatory Christian Striegl when handing over the certificate to Krones AG executive board chairman Volker Kronseder, and to executive board member Markus Tische, who’s board is responsible for international operations and services.

Albert Bauer, IMS officer at Krones AG, is confident “that the trend towards certification of management and product requirements will continue to gain momentum. Besides the hard facts of the technical issues involved, soft factors like social standards are coming increasingly to the fore. We are seeing progressively more probing questions and requests for verification from both our major clients and from analysts.”

The issues of environmental impact, sustainability and occupational safety are increasingly becoming an integrated constituent of structured corporate processes. Krones AG’s management programme also includes measures for sustainable social and interpersonal dealings.

At the facility in Taicang, Krones proactively prioritizes intensive contacts with its regional neighbors. Krones is also a member of the AHK Shanghai Competence & Training Center for vocational training in China, and in 2013 supported the “GPI Charity” with a donation for child cancer victims.

Monitoring means progress
Following its initial certification in 2012, Krones’ Brazilian subsidiary, Krones do Brasil Ltda., last year underwent the follow-up audit scheduled every year by TÜV SÜD – designed to verify the maintenance and upgrading of the three management systems involved.

“These monitoring audits are conducted every year after initial certification as a matter of routine. In the third year, a recertification procedure is mandatory, and then there are two more monitoring audits. This cycle guarantees continuous improvement of all measures involved,” explains Daniel Weinzierl from the quality management department.

What does IMS mean for the company?

• Continuous improvement process in all areas, departments and processes;
• Legal security in regard to occupational safety and environmental protection for the subsidiary concerned with reference to the local legislation (Brazil, China, USA);
• Enhanced internal transparency in regard to goal definition, processing procedures and documentation;
• Honing staff’s and vendors’ awareness levels for quality, environmental protection and safety;
• Objective evidencing of all the company’s activities in regard to quality, environmental protection and occupational safety.

For more information on Krones, visit www.krones.com.