Kiser Puts its Quality to Test - and it Passes

Argonia, Kansas - Kiser Manufacturing, a machine shop specializing in small to medium-sized aircraft parts, has been awarded the internationally recognized aerospace quality registration, AS9100. The registration affirms that Kiser's business and manufacturing practices meet industry benchmarks for high quality. Certification to AS9100 is a testament to Kiser's commitment to continuous improvement and its ability to remain competitive.

"Being certified to AS9100 will help solidify our customer base and hopefully allow us to comfortably expand our market share," said Jerry Kiser, Kiser Manufacturing Owner. "The large aerospace companies require that its suppliers attain registration," continued Kiser. "We work for 2nd tier suppliers - becoming registered is a natural progression for us as we look towards long term growth."

Keep it Simple

Kiser began preparing for AS9100 certification and soon decided to bring in outside assistance. Kiser contacted the Mid-America Manufacturing Technology Center's (MAMTC) Brian Blumberg, to facilitate preparation for AS9100 registration. "Getting Brian involved proved to be very advantageous," said Rhonda Shore, Kiser Quality Management Representative. "His knowledge of and familiarity with the certification process made everything proceed more quickly and efficiently."

Blumberg's guiding principle to "keep it simple" helped employees through the extensive and often laborious process of documenting their methods and procedures and preparing the necessary audit documentation. Blumberg led training sessions for all employees regarding their roles in relation to quality. In addition, he helped Kiser conduct their first internal quality audit and helped train Karl Smith to become the second Internal Auditor. Internal audits drive continuous improvement by consistently evaluating and reexamining business and manufacturing functions.

Kiser Manufacturing hired CRS Registrars, Inc. for their registration audit and passed, with only a few minor findings. "AS9100 has been a great tool to improve our operation," attested Kiser. "We will celebrate ten years of being in business in 2006 - AS9100 registration will help us grow our business in the next ten years."

A Business Guided by 35 Years Experience

After working 35 years in a machine shop, Jerry Kiser decided to open his own business in 1996 with three employees in a 5,000 SF facility. After a period of steady growth with a good spread of products, Kiser expanded its facility to 10,000 SF in 2001 while many manufacturers were closing their doors. Kiser currently employs 25 people and manufactures parts or components for Boeing's commercial airplanes, Cessna aircraft, Lockheed's C130 and F22 Raptor and Raytheon's J Pats military trainer.

MAMTC is a not-for-profit organization that helps small and medium-sized manufacturers increase sales, productivity and quality while reducing costs. MAMTC helps these manufacturers to modernize operations, incorporate new technologies into their processes and improve management and marketing practices.