The Success Story of Bornemann Gewindetechnik GmbH & Co. KG
“The certification was an important step for us”
TÜV NORD CERT is a strong partner for small and medium-sized businesses and reliably supports its clients through changing times.
What are the benefits of certifying your quality management system to ISO 9001?
The ISO 9001 standard serves as the international foundation for quality assurance and quality management. For modern companies of all sizes and in all industries, a certified quality management system serves as proof of their competence and performance. The standard is distinguished by the fact that it can be implemented across all industries, in both manufacturing and service companies. Certification provides external proof of your quality management. An audit conducted by an experienced expert with industry knowledge provides important insights and facilitates the rapid implementation of internal improvements.
Thorough Preparation as the Foundation of Success
From 2009 to 2013, Bornemann Gewindetechnik GmbH & Co. KG implemented lean management to ensure the company’s succession. The ISO 9001 quality management system plays a key role in this process and has been certified by TÜV NORD CERT GmbH.
When Mr. von Soden joined the company, the goal was to identify and document the many years of experience—and thus the entrepreneurial expertise—of Managing Director Hans Gereke-Bornemann, in order to pass this knowledge on to the next generation of business leaders. A strategy development process was initiated, at the conclusion of which various corporate goals were defined and corresponding measures were derived. In particular, aspects of quality management and certification were key components. The operational processes that had evolved over decades were re-examined and optimized.
ISO 9001: Lean Management Instead of a Paper Tiger
To tackle this project, the company drew on many tools from lean management, which aims to eliminate unnecessary activities and simplify processes. Bornemann Gewindetechnik found that many aspects of lean management are reflected in the requirements of ISO 9001. Consequently, the prerequisites for certification regarding data analysis, process measurement, error prevention, and the management of documents and records had already been implemented within the company by the time the auditor arrived. Administrative processes, for example, were analyzed using the Makigami process analysis method. Using the SMED methodology, setup processes were accelerated, and by closely examining the value stream within the company, the machines were aligned accordingly to optimize the production flow.
Once certification is achieved, the continuous improvement of the system begins
“We’ve made a lot of changes within the company in recent years. These included a comprehensive value stream mapping exercise and the resulting overhaul of our machinery. We need to focus more and more on placing added value for our customers at the center of our thinking and constantly questioning our existing processes. Often, it is the small changes that, when added up, make a huge difference,” says Moritz v. Soden. Specific measures implemented as part of the quality management system included:
the introduction of designated workstations for each operation
semi-automated production planning using a Fauser Manufacturing Execution System (MES)
improved utilization of the existing JobDispo ERP system
reduction of setup times using the SMED method
improved production data collection via barcode scanners
inventory management using proprietary software
the introduction of workstation defect lists in production
automated tool management
maintenance schedules for all machines
TÜV NORD CERT is your partner for success
Following the successful certification, the family-owned company gave a positive assessment. “The certification was an important step for us in documenting and streamlining the knowledge and processes within the organization. Our own quality standards have traditionally been far higher than the requirements of the standard, because we do not base them on general metrics, but on the most critical and important authority: our customers. For us, quality is a dynamic, continuous development process in which our customers have the final say,” emphasizes Moritz v. Soden. The support provided by the experienced experts at TÜV NORD CERT yielded valuable insights for further optimization. The certificate reflects the joint achievement of management and staff.
TÜV NORD CERT is an internationally recognized and reliable partner for testing and certification services related to products, services, systems, and personnel. When it comes to quality and safety, TÜV NORD CERT guides and supports companies across all industries through all major certification processes. The recognized TÜV certification marks immediately demonstrate the quality, compliance, and safety of products, ensuring a significant competitive advantage..
“We want to encourage employees to identify strongly with the system, because passion is what drives the company forward.”
Moritz v. Soden
Bornemann Gewindetechnik GmbH & Co. KG was founded in 1965. Today, approximately 65 employees work in the 3,800-square-meter production facilities to manufacture top-quality products in the field of thread production. The company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of special threaded parts, custom trapezoidal, sawtooth, and cross threads, as well as screw conveyors. The company’s founder, Gerhard Dietrich, now 93 years old, learned his trade from the ground up. His son-in-law, Hans Gereke-Bornemann, joined the family business in 1978 and has been running the company as owner alongside his wife, Gudrun, since 1984. With Kathrin and Moritz v. Soden, the daughter and son-in-law of Gudrun and Hans Gereke-Bornemann, the future of the family business is also secured. For more information, visit: www.bornemann.de