To become certified as an ISO 9001:2000 compliant organization, LEWCO underwent a stringent three-year process that included quality management system development and documentation. Further steps included extensive training of personnel, self audits, and then an initial assessment audit to eliminate any non-conformance to the international standard. The process culminated in a comprehensive registration audit in November and subsequent certification.

ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is the world's largest developer and publisher of International Standards. The ISO 9000 family of standards represents an international consensus on good quality management practices. ISO 9001:2000 is the only standard in the family against which organizations can be certified. The ISO 9001:2000 standard provides a systematic approach to managing an organization's processes so that their products consistently satisfy customers' expectations. The standard improves processes in the areas of customer relationships, supplier relationships, employee involvement, factual decision making, leadership principles, and mandates continual improvement.

"Our quality system is not only about making the product, but rather it encompasses every facet of the organization from the time a quote is requested all the way through design, manufacturing and post shipment follow-up activity," added Guerra. "As our policy states, our goal is to meet or exceed the expectations of our customers by providing quality products, on time, safely and efficiently."

Formerly Lake Erie Welding & Fabricating, LEWCO, Inc. has evolved into a world class manufacturer of material handling and process heating equipment, serving both national and international markets.