Committed to quality and continuous improvement

Impro Graphics specializes in manufacturing precision-printed plastic products for customers in a wide range of market sectors including the automotive, computer and retail industries.

Based in Arlington Heights, Illinois, Impro has the capability to handle projects quickly and inexpensively, using the screen printing process to accomplish high quality results on a variety of materials and substrates of almost any size or thickness. The cutting and finishing of products is all done in-house.

To prove that the company is totally dedicated to providing a quality service, Impro Graphics worked closely with IMSM to implement the ISO 9001 quality management system, confirming its commitment to strive for continual improvement. As a result, the business was awarded its certificate by QAS in August 2004.

Richard Saetre of Impro Graphics told us: "Not many screen printing companies have ISO certification. Impro wanted the credibility to pursue printing work from other companies that have ISO certification and require certification from their suppliers. Besides giving us this credibility, it has given us the guidance to merge our present quality procedures into the precise consistent format of ISO. We have found that this also achieves continuous quality improvement with a consistent traceable format, with a better understanding of each employee's goals and expectations. Many of our jobs are repeats of previous orders and now we are able to duplicate very easily and precisely."

Richard continued, "We had heard stories of the time consuming complex process of ISO certification. However with the help and resources of IMSM, our certification process was very straightforward. The framework and structure of their program and review program made things very manageable and worked well within our normal daily activities. Both Scott Mersch and our assessor Ian Farquharson gave us all the help and guidance needed to write our quality and procedures manuals. Now everyone understands the necessity of doing every job in the exact way every time with everyone - including management - held responsible."

www.impro.com

22/08/05