Sigmatex achieves IATF 16949 certification

Carbon fiber textiles producer Sigmatex (Runcorn, Cheshire, U.K.) has achieved IATF 16949 certification for its U.K. manufacturing operation, securing ISO technical specification endorsing its rigorous automotive quality system standards throughout its manufacturing processes.

“Our motivation to achieve and sustain this standard is driven from our desire to be the first-choice partner to our many customers across the automotive, aerospace and industrial markets we serve,” notes CEO Paul McMullan. “We have a strong reputation for supplying high-quality products and services, and this achievement further enhances that reputation.”

IATF 16949 is an ISO technical specification which aligns existing U.S., German, French and Italian automotive quality system standards within the global automotive industry. It specifies the quality system requirements for the design, development, production, installation and servicing of automotive-related products. IATF 16949 has been developed by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF) to encourage improvement in the supply chain and the certification process.

For the majority of leading vehicle manufacturers, certification to this specification is a mandatory requirement for doing business. Sigmatex says it has been a major supplier to the automotive sector for almost 40 years and in that time has built its reputation as a supplier of carbon fiber textiles to many luxury, supercar and sports car manufacturers. Sigmatex notes that this standard is “notoriously difficult to achieve,” and is the culmination of almost two years of work by the Sigmatex team.

“Our motivation to pursue IATF accreditation comes from two key principles: First, to demonstrate our long-term commitment to being a major supplier to the automotive sector and continuing to strengthen our value proposition to both existing and new OEMs and Tier supply partners. And second, to embrace manufacturing best practise systems and processes, such as the ‘core tools’ of IATF to improve our effectiveness and quality standards, which will be beneficial to all our customers. I would like to thank our partners who have supported us on this journey and give special recognition to our team of committed and determined colleagues for making this possible,” says McMullan.