Quality Comes First at Quantum Windows

Quantum Windows is reaping the benefits of enhanced efficiency and customer confidence after winning BSI Kitemark and Secured by Design accreditation.

Left to right: Russell Yates (Beaufort Secure Design), Gillian Holdsworth (British Standards Institute), Tony Britten (Quantum Windows), Steve Collins (SCCS)

The Corby-based company recently achieved the standards for its aluminium windows fabricated from Beaufort's Advanced System and says Beaufort's advice and support during the approval process was key to its success. Gaining the prestigious quality accreditations will open up new contract opportunities, such as housing associations, where these standards are often mandatory says Quality Manager, Michael Hayden. ‘It's also improved quality control and accountability and given everyone even greater pride in their roles within the company.’

Quantum Windows worked closely with Beaufort to ensure its manufacturing process satisfied the stringent requirements of the BSI. Michael Hayden continues, ‘Beaufort's technical team made numerous visits to our factory to advise on various quality issues, including our production methods and hardware specification.’ As a member of Beaufort's Approved Fabricator network, Quantum also benefited from a Group Scheme set up by Beaufort to help its customers fast track to accreditation. Because the Beaufort System is already Kitemark and Secured By Design approved none of the components had to be tested, only the manufactured window, which makes the whole process quicker and less costly. 'In fact, it took us just three months from start to finish,' adds Michael Hayden.

In order to achieve its BSI Kitemark, Quantum Windows set up an in-house quality control system in accordance with ISO 9001-2000. To date, the company has conducted two successful assessment audits with BSI for Beaufort's Advanced and Advanced Plus systems to become a Secured by Design licence holder the company had to satisfy rigorous product testing and quality management standards. Summing up the benefits, Michael Hayden says, ‘We're now listed as an approved supplier on the Secured By Design website which is a major advantage when tendering for public sector and commercial contracts.’

For more information about products in Beaufort's aluminium range or the Beaufort Approved Certification Scheme visit http://www.beaufortsecure.com.

Caption Left to right: Russell Yates (Beaufort Secure Design), Gillian Holdsworth (British Standards Institute), Tony Britten (Quantum Windows), Steve Collins
(SCCS)