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Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)

Partnering with PRiMEX for AS9100D Certification and QMS Improvements

With the help of: Puerto Rico Manufacturing Extension Inc. (PRiMEX)

About

El-Com Systems Corp is a wholly-owned subsidiary of El- COM Systems Solutions based in California. The local company has been in Puerto Rico since 2016 operating in Caguas. The company is dedicated to manufacturing complex electro-mechanical sub-systems and assemblies for the global aerospace and defense industries. The company has a headcount of 62 employees including operational and administrative personnel. 

The Challenge

El-Com Systems Corp was required to implement and certify its quality management system in accordance with the international standards of AS9100D for the aerospace sector. The challenge was not only to achieve the ISO certification, but to achieve it simultaneously with an accelerated growth process, which required the hiring of additional employees for new production lines. Puerto Rico Manufacturing Extension, Inc (PRiMEX), a NIST MEP affiliate, was recommended to support in this process.

MEP's Role

PRIMEX first performed an AS9100D review (gap analysis) of El-Com’s quality management system and develop a working plan with all the actions, roles and responsibilities to successfully achieve the ISO certification audit. El-Com proposed a five (5) month aggressive schedule to become AS9100D certify to meet one of its defense customer’s requirements. PRIMEX played a critical role and helping navigate the requirements to meet El-Com’s and the customer due date.

 

PRIMEX provided quality management trainings, review operating procedures and the required documentation and served as a lead auditor in support of the quality management system. The corrective action process was also reviewed and facilitated weekly status reports of the actions completed and in progress towards the certification.

 

A final internal audit was made to assure compliance to standard and supported the company in the selection of a third-party auditor. Minor issues were found by the auditor, and corrective actions completed and approve allowing for El COM’s certification within the required time frame. PRIMEX’s support throughout the process, provided the knowledge and capabilities for AS9100D certification.

Created April 2, 2022