ISO Certification– A Strategy for Market Growth
AL-TECH Associates, Inc.
The Client:
AL-TECH Associates, Inc. is a small, woman-owned business in Columbia, Maryland,that manufactures, assembles and distributes custom cable and wire harnesses, electronics and custom box builds. The AL-TECH team specializes in solving complex problems like flight hardware, communications and security.
The Challenge:
As an organization, AL-Tech has a heavy reliance on defense contract work (as a prime and as a subcontractor). With the recent addition of a new production facility, the organization was looking to grow and expand into new markets through the development of new customers and products. A key challenge into servicing these markets was obtaining an ISO-9001 certification for the new facility. Preparing for, training and certifying the organization to the ISO-9001 standard can be costly and time-consuming for companies and require outside resources and assistance.
The Solution:
To support AL-TECH’s efforts, the MD MEP team worked closely with the AL-TECH leadership to develop an approach to identify and apply for fiscal assistance to offset the cost of preparation for the ISO-9001 certification process as well as identifying training needs for the organization that would support the certification process but more importantly improve quality and production and provide increased capacity to serve new markets.
Results & Impacts:
- $50,000 (including grant assistance)
- 3 new customers
- 3 mechanics received training including IPC/WHMA certification
- Tripling of sales projected in next 3-5 years
It has been a pleasure to work with MD MEP. They have been supportive, encouraging and a source of guidance throughout the journey to diversify.
