| The mission of
the VMV QA Cal Lab is to ensure the electrical, mechanical,
hydraulic, pneumatic and dimensional instruments utilized
throughout the shop are ready, available and accurately
calibrated to qualify all VMV products before, during and
after the remanufacturing processes. We work closely to
provide all employees and supervisors with the right equipment
when and where they need it.
In the early 1990's VMV
Enterprises established a Quality Assurance department to
provide consistent product conformance to specifications and
to ensure overall customer satisfaction. The Calibration
Lab was formed as a central part of the quality operation and
this began the drive to obtain Quality Certifications with the
Association of American Railroads and National Association of
Purchasing Management.
Through the years, the
Calibration Lab developed the system starting out by
controlling approximately 60 pieces of Measurement and Test
Equipment. Through internal audits and inventories, we
have identified over 1300 items on active recall today, all of
which are controlled in our automated calibration management
program.
The Calibration Lab is a
major advantage for ongoing VMV success by providing technical
support to the entire company and conducting an average of 525
scheduled calibrations per month--traceable to NIST
standards. We also perform routine preventive
maintenance and make most repairs to system equipment.
The Calibration Lab led
the joint efforts in passing the February 2000 Registration
Audit for ISO 9001:2002 and AAR M1003 Quality System Certifications
and each subsequent surveillance audit. Current projects
include reducing expenses in outsourcing calibration services
and exploring the possibilities of generating additional
revenue by conducting calibrations for local companies,
vendors and customers.
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