At Goudsmit UK, our commitment to quality is unwavering. As an ISO9001 certified business, we understand the importance of maintaining the highest standards in all aspects of our operations. Regular visits to our suppliers in China play a vital role in upholding our high standards of quality and ensuring customer satisfaction. The latest Goudsmit UK supplier visit occurred in April 2024, led by our Quality Manager, Andrew Kerr, and Business Development Manager, Michael Lyness. This trip was crucial in ensuring that our products consistently meet the strict criteria necessary for our ISO9001 certification.
Process Audit:
Central to our trip was the execution of a comprehensive Process Audit. This meticulous examination involved auditing the entire manufacturing process, from order receipt right through to the final shipping of products. By ensuring that each process conforms to the requirements of their multiple accreditations, we can ensure our customer’s product is consistently manufactured to the highest quality.
Supplier Visits and Process Walks:
In addition to the audits, we conducted a series of supplier visits and process walks. These visits provided us with valuable insights into the manufacturing process, following the flow from raw material goods inward to the storage of finished goods.
Understanding Supplier Capabilities – Metal Injection Molding:
Our interactions with suppliers went beyond auditing; they served as opportunities to learn about emerging manufacturing processes. By staying informed about the latest advancements in manufacturing technology, we ensure that we remain at the forefront of innovation. This knowledge empowers us to provide our customers with the best offerings available, tailored to their evolving needs and preferences.
One highlight picked out by Andrew and Michael in this regard was a visit to our Metal Injection Molding facility. Metal injection molding (MIM) blends the versatility of plastic injection molding with the durability of metal, enabling the production of intricate metal parts.
The process involves creating a metal powder and binder mixture, injecting it into a mold, debinding, and sintering to form the final part. Compared to CNC machining, Metal Injection Molding (MIM) is better suited for those seeking high repeatability, shorter cycle times, parts consolidation, and decreased reliance on secondary operations.
Maintaining Supplier Relationships:
Crucially, our trip was vital for maintaining strong supplier relationships, which are integral to upholding the high standards we pride ourselves upon. By investing time and effort in these relationships, we foster a culture of collaboration and trust. This, in turn, ensures seamless cooperation from sales through to delivery, and enables us to supply consistently exceptional quality to our customers.
Learning Opportunities:
The Goudsmit UK Supplier Visit also provided Andrew and Michael with valuable learning opportunities, as they built upon existing knowledge by witnessing each production process. For example, with regards to neodymium iron boron manufacturing, they spent time analysing each stage, from strip casting to hydrogen decrepitation, forming press, and sintering.
Beyond the Factories:
Once the audits were completed, Andrew and Michael also took the opportunity to indulge in some well-deserved leisure and exploration of Hangzhou, Tonglu and Ningbo.
Some highlights of their trip included visiting the scenic West Lake of Hangzhou – an UNESCO World Heritage site that has inspired poets and artists for centuries – and traversing the 37-kilometre-long Hangzhou Bay Bridge, which provided breathtaking vistas and showcased the marvels of China’s civil engineering projects.
Goudsmit UK
At Goudsmit UK, we pride ourselves on supplying custom magnetic components and assemblies, along with precision-engineered components, to some of the most demanding industries worldwide. Our expertise and commitment to quality ensure that we deliver solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of our clients, whether they operate within the automotive, aerospace, electronics, recycling, or any other sector requiring high-grade magnetic and precision-engineered products.
Our team of experts works closely with each client to understand their unique challenges and objectives. Therefore, allowing us to offer bespoke solutions that enhance efficiency, reliability, and performance. Discover how Goudsmit UK can assist you in achieving your project goals with our cutting-edge solutions and unmatched technical support.
For more information visit our magnetic products webpage here or our additional engineered products webpage here.
Download our comprehensive products and services brochure here.
