WINDHOEK – Walvis Bay-based ship repair company Elgin Brown & Hamer (EBH) Namibia has received the ISO 9001:2008 accreditation, with the official certification received in November. The internationally-recognised ISO 9001: 2008 accreditation means having a sound quality management system (QMS) in place, which translates into efficient operations and work processes across all disciplines.
“This achievement would not have been possible in such a short space of time without the perseverance and determination of the EBH Namibia team and our external auditors,” says Hannes Uys, Chief Executive Officer at EBH Namibia. The company pats itself on the back for achieving such recognition in a relatively short space of time, having gained global recognition as a ship repair yard with an extensive and growing client base.
“Obtaining the ISO: 9001 accreditation is a massive achievement for EBH Namibia on many levels. It demonstrates that we are a world-class organisation living our values of client commitment and continual improvement. This supports our reputation in the industry and long-term sustainability and gives our clients renewed confidence in our service levels and our commitment to quality and safety through open and honest communication,” says Uys.
Established in 2006, the EBH Namibia places a heavy emphasis on quality, service excellence and a sound safety record; and believes this strategy is one of the reasons for its success in a highly competitive, global market.
“EBH Namibia’s reputation is founded on our high ethical standards, sound business practices and client-centric approach that enables us to better understand external perceptions of the issues critical to society and our business. Our safety standards are non-negotiable and underpin the success rate of all our projects concluded to date,” says Uys.
“EBH Namibia is located on a strategic international shipping route along the west coast of Africa. In order to compete in this very global industry, it is imperative to be able to assure our clients of a world-class service and the highest possible standards in safety and quality,” he adds.
The eight quality management principles of ISO 9001 include client focus, leadership, a systems approach to management, continual improvement and mutually beneficial supplier relations.
The benefits of a QMS within the framework of ISO standards and procedures are felt by both employees and clients, according to Uys.
“The ISO 9001: 2008 certification provides senior management with an efficient management methodology, which clearly sets out areas of responsibility across the organisation. It communicates a positive message to staff and clients, identifies and encourages more efficient and time-saving processes, highlights deficiencies and helps to reduce costs, thereby providing for continuous assessment and improvement,” says Uys.
“Benefits to the client include improved quality and service, on-time delivery, a ‘first time right’ attitude and therefore also result in increased client retention.”
Uys emphasises the importance of company-wide involvement and employee empowerment when it comes to quality systems and entrenching a culture of continuous improvement.
“Ensuring and maintaining the effectiveness of the ISO system will depend on ongoing employee development and training, campaigns around quality awareness, internal audits, management reviews and non-conformance reports and analyses.”
By Staff Reporter