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Manufacturing Innovation Blog
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Photo Credit: iStock.com/olm26250
Opti Manufacturing Corporation is a family-owned company based in Luquillo, Puerto Rico. Opti’s feature product is a unique cable tensiometer, and it also specializes in wiring harness and cable assemblies for aerospace and military applications. A takeover of the former HTL Caribe plant, a subsidiary of Pacific Scientific Company, Opti acquired the rights to manufacture, sell, and service all Pacific Scientific Aircraft products in 1990. Throughout the years the company has gained expertise in a wide variety of products, from simple interconnect cables to completely environmentally sealed, multi-connection assemblies suitable for use in harsh environments. With around 15 employees, Opti Manufacturing is one of the few third tier companies in Puerto Rico.
Opti Manufacturing was in search of new aerospace business opportunities. Most of the potential prospects were requesting both AS9100 registration and ISO 9100:2015, and Opti needed to revamp its operation with an emphasis on its quality program. The company reached out to PRiMEX, part of the MEP National NetworkTM, for assistance in completing both ISO re-certifications in a short time frame and at minimal cost.
Consultants from PRiMEX worked with Opti to define and set up a project plan to meet the recertification requirements, documenting and implementing ISO 9001 and AS 9100 quality standards as needed. They re-trained Opti management and staff, refreshed the quality manuals, and updated Opti's workflows and instructions. Next, they prepared internal auditors from Opti for re-certification, completing risk assessments and validating the document control process. A ISO registrar visited the company and found zero non-conformances, making Opti the first and only tier three company in Puerto Rico with AS 9100D: 2016 certification up to 2021.
The quality upgrade enabled Opti to launch new products and gain additional customers. The company invested in cable laser marking and added numerous well-paying jobs to keep up with demand.
Results
- Achieved re-certification in the QMS in AS9100 Revision D
- Added 14 employees with estimated yearly salary of $300k
- Launched 15 new products for estimated sales of $750k
- Gained 2 new customers
Could your company benefit from assistance with a certification? Connect with your local MEP Center for more information.
The Puerto Rico Manufacturing Extension (PRiMEX) is the official representative of the MEP National Network in Puerto Rico. The MEP National Network is a unique public-private partnership that helps small and medium-sized manufacturers generate business results and thrive in today’s technology-driven economy. The MEP National Network comprises the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP), the 51 MEP Centers located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
