Gladiator Technologies, a division of LKD Aerospace, has achieved third-party certification to AS9100D. The certification applies to all design, distribution, manufacturing and logistics activities at LKD Aerospace and its Gladiator Technologies division. The company’s previous certification was to AS9100C. The AS9100D standard is based on ISO 9001 but expands on that standard for the specific needs of the aerospace industry. Currently, only 115 companies in Washington State have successfully transitioned to AS9100D.
“The transition to a process-based Quality Management System took us to the next level in how we manage quality,” commented Bob Bishop, Director of Quality. “With process ownership now firmly established, we will benefit from an even more efficient and effective management of the QMS. Employees are more engaged in the quality functions than ever before. The added value of key process indicators provides our management a visual indication of effectiveness for each core process.”
AS9100D benefits include a focus on product safety, provisions for counterfeit parts and an emphasis on managing risk in all processes. Gladiator Technologies’ implementation included training for all employees as well as internal audits to ensure understanding and compliance ahead of the third-party audit.
“LKD Aerospace’s Quality Management System also covers Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 21, sub part K. Working with Seattle MIDO, the FAA approval of the necessary changes made to meet the transition to AS9100D was achieved without impact to our tight schedule,” stated Bishop.
The AS9100D certificate is posted on websites http://www.Lkdaerospace.com and http://www.gladiatortechnologies.com. Evidence of certification is also available on http://www.iaqg.org. The transition from AS9100C to AS9110D included a change in registrars from DQS to ASACB.
