SAM Mouldings Achieves Another Industry First 2005
Northern Ireland company Springfarm Architectural Mouldings Limited (SAM Mouldings) has successfully achieved registration to both ISO 14001:2004 and OHSAS 18001 after an assessment by BM TRADA Certification Limited. The company already has their ISO 9001:2000 and FSC certifications approved by BM TRADA. SAM Mouldings become the first company in the UK and Ireland whose sole business is manufacturing MDF mouldings to achieve all four accreditations with BM TRADA. SAM Mouldings was founded in 1990 by Managing Director Sam McCrea and his wife, Julienne, Director of Business Excellence. SAM Mouldings manufactures architectural mouldings, stair material, picture framing and kitchen components out of MDF and these latest additions to their already impressive business achievements reflect the strength of existing systems. "A lot of the good practice tools and techniques that assist in meeting the requirements of the Standards were already being employed by us," said Hugh Laverty, Financial Controller, who led the internal audit team. "We have always focussed on integrating relevant externally recognised management practices rather than having stand-alone systems. The existing environmental and health & safety systems have been in place for a number of years, so it was a logical step to take to get these systems externally assessed and approved." Charlie Bloomer of CBM Associates, representing BM TRADA Limited, carried out the assessment that involved a number of days on site to ensure that the Environmental and Health & Safety management systems of SAM Mouldings met the requirements of the two Standards. "SAM Mouldings have had their Quality Systems approved since 1991 so their management ethos and involvement of all employees was something that was already second nature to them," said Charlie Bloomer. "The assessment of their management system may have been split for the purposes of the separate accreditations, but in practice the systems are run as an integrated management process." The certifications enhance the company's position in the marketplace as a market-leader in good practice. "Our customers are aware of our Quality and FSC accreditation status and adding these two certificates will help strengthen the perception of SAM Mouldings," said Gerard Wilson, Key Accounts Manager. The Company was the sole winner of the European Quality Award in 2002, a success that came from being scored against the European Foundation for Quality Management's business excellence model. "The high score that led to us winning the award in 2002 showed that we had strong results across our range of business disciplines," said Mr. McCrea. "Maintaining that level of business focus helped us achieve these certificates". SAM Mouldings has over 100 employees and continues to lead the market with over 25% of the UK and over 50% of the Ireland MDF mouldings market. | 
