MacLean-ESNA Awarded AS 9100 Certification
by: Jim Earley, Q.A. Manager, MACLEAN-ESNA
posted: Feb 2008/Mar 2008

In a recent AS 9100 audit, MacLean-ESNA was awarded AS 9100 Quality Certification by Underwriters Laboratory. The AS 9100 is one of the requirements to do business with aerospace companies. At the present time, MacLean-ESNA has orders for approximately six million pieces of various sizes of all metal self-locking fasteners to be sold to Aerospace distributors. The AS 9100 quality system parallels the ISO 9001-2000 system with few changes to the quality manual. MacLean-ESNA's background and in-depth knowledge of military specifications was an asset in obtaining this certification.

Areas of concern during the audit were calibration, material/product traceability, purchasing and scrap methods. The audit scores for first time assessment usually range between 75 and 85. MacLean-ESNA's score was 92. The audit consisted of two suditors for 21/2 days reviewing the ISO 9001-2000 and the additional 63 requirements of the AS 9100 standard.

With the AS certification, MacLean-ESNA will automatically be added to the IAQG (Intertatinal Aerospace Quality Group) OASIS (Online Aerospace Supplier Information System) database. Benefits of the OASIS database are that it keeps customers, OEM's and suppliers up-to-date. It contains complete information on Aerospace QMS (Quality Management System) approvals, with data on who, how, when and what is approved, including results. The database would allow a supplier to be added to an ASL (Approved Supplier List) without requiring evidence of QMS registration/approval.

MacLean-ESNA's goal is to become a tier one supplier to aerospace companies such as Airbus, Boeing, GE and Pratt Whitney.