The Automotive Recyclers Association, Manassas, Va., has announced plans to develop a process through which CAR (Certified Automotive Recycler) and Gold Seal members can achieve ISO 9001 certification.
Several CAR/Gold Seal facilities will participate in the first pilot program that will quantify the cost and effort necessary for CAR/Gold Seal members to secure and maintain ISO 9001 certification, the ARA says.
The International Organization for Standardization’s ISO 9001 certification demonstrates a company's compliance with a set of guidelines that outline a quality management program. This philosophy results in optimal products and/or services, which result in high levels of customer satisfaction, the ARA says. With the introduction of ISO 9001:2008 several years ago, small businesses now have a more economic and plausible avenue to meet ISO certification requirements, the group adds.
Michael Wilson, ARA CEO, says the quality recycled parts market could capture substantial growth in the collision, mechanical and do-it-yourself markets with an enhanced product assurance program. “The sophistication of today’s vehicles necessitates that professional automotive recyclers elevate their product quality and procedures to successfully compete in today’s market,” he says.
The research pilot is being directed by Ginny Whelan, ARA senior consultant. ARA’s educational research pilot is designed to provide comprehensive assistance and analysis to participating CAR/Gold Seal members on the most economic and efficient pathway to ISO 9001 accreditation. With information obtained from the pilot, ARA says it will develop a broad automotive recycling model for securing ISO 9001 accreditation, which can serve as a road map for professional automotive recyclers during the application process.
“Achieving ISO 9001 certification does not need to be complicated or expensive,” Whelan says. “No-nonsense, step-by-step instructions and guides, easy-to-customize documentation templates/forms and convenient online training using a secured cloud shared data platform will be used, and ARA will be able to determine the best methodology by which CAR /Gold Seal facilities can attain ISO 9001 certification.”
More information is available at www.greenrecycledparts.com.
