In September of 2003, the Sponsler team set out to achieve what was considered, by many outside of Sponsler, to be impossible. We set ISO 9001 certification as our company goal and we were determined to complete the goal by June of 2004. To achieve this goal, we would have to bring our group together to strive toward a common vision for success. We did not doubt that ISO certification was within our reach and abilities; however, our team would have to form a cohesive bond to pull together procedures, manuals, and work instructions for each department of our facility. To say it was easy would undermine the tremendous effort, commitment, and dedication given by each person.

Of course, we did reach our goal of ISO 9001:2000 certification in June. In the process, we found two more benefits to our strife for continuous improvement. First, we learned a great deal about ourselves as organization. During the production of our work instructions, procedures, and pre-audits, we learned how co-workers in other departments do their jobs. We were able, in some cases, to streamline and question operations that we had previous taken for granted.

Secondly, Liquid Controls and IDEX provided invaluable direction and insight along the pathway to ISO certification. Working with our counter-parts at Liquid Controls, the Sponsler team was stronger and more aware of potential issues.

The achievement of this goal will be, without doubt, the cornerstone for which we will build all further successes.