PRP Optoelectronics, the hi-tech manufacturer that opened a state-of-the-art design and production base in Swindon last year, has passed an audit on its ISO procedures and quality systems in record time.
The ISO9001: 2008 certification was achieved as a result of a concerted effort to relocate its high-quality standards and approved operational processes from its previous manufacturing site in Towcester, Northamptonshire.
The firm’s new 100,000 sq ft factory at Hillmead, which makes market-leading light emitting diode (LED) technology, was officially opened at the end of October and the quality accreditation was received less than three months later.
It makes pioneering products used by military and civil firms in a range of applications such as weapon sights, thermal imaging and industrial controls. PRP products can be found on the flight decks of many of the world’s major aircraft manufacturers.
Transitioning the stable production centre from its original base to the new Swindon facility represented a number of challenges, PRP said – one of which was ensuring that the high quality standards that the company’s customers have come to expect were upheld.
PRP Optoelectronics CEO Robert Green said: “Over the past 25 years PRP has manufactured a large number of high-performance quality devices for a sophisticated client base that includes demanding aerospace manufacturers.
“Passing the recent ISO audit so soon after relocation and re-obtaining our accreditation is an important milestone for the PRP team. It’s a testament to the efforts of the entire team and a reflection of the company’s long-term commitment to quality excellence.”
PRP had been based in Towcester for 25 years but a proposed demolition of its site forced it to look for the best location for it to continue to meet the growing demand for its leading-edge products.
It decided on relocating to Swindon because of the town’s excellent transport links and strong local hub of technology companies with a good source of local talent and supply chain links. Proximity to Heathrow Airport was also important for its international customers.
Pictured: PRP Optoelectronics’ state-of-the-art Swindon manufacturing base
