Jabil Circuit Announces Quality Certifications
20 July 1999
Jabil Circuit Announces Quality Certifications
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.--July 19, 1999--Jabil Circuit, Inc. today announced two more of its 11 manufacturing plants have received ISO 9002 quality certifications. With these certifications, Jabil now has nine ISO-certified global manufacturing facilities."The requirements for ISO 9002 are extremely strict," said Frank Krajcirovic, VP, Quality Control. "Every function within an organization must comply with 20 elements of the ISO standard. Certification is not only an industry standard, it demonstrates Jabil's commitment to quality."
Both of Jabil's newly acquired facilities in Boise, Idaho and Bergamo, Italy passed assessments for ISO 9002 and received their certificates. The ISO registrar is British Standards Institution (BSI) of the United Kingdom.
The ISO quality system standard ensures quality in production, installation and servicing for all operating systems. The system establishes controls, systems and documents processes in order to provide a predictable operating system.
"ISO provides a foundation to avoid mistakes and eliminate defects due to faulty document control or operating procedures. It provides a level of discipline that helps minimize errors," said Krajcirovic.
Jabil acquired the Boise and Bergamo facilities as part of its purchase of Hewlett-Packard's LaserJet Formatter Manufacturing Operations in August 1998. With these certifications, Jabil now has nine ISO-certified global manufacturing facilities.
Environmental Certification Received in Scotland; Global Certifications Planned
Jabil has also undertaken a program to fully certify its manufacturing facilities for environmental certification - ISO 14000. Jabil plans to have all its facilities ISO 14000 certified by the end of 2001.
In April, Jabil's Scotland plant became its first facility to pass the assessment criteria for the ISO 14000 certification. This certification requires comprehensive systems for controlling substances that are harmful to the environment. Companies must identify, monitor, control and continually improve any discharge from its operation that could adversely affect the environment. In addition, companies must comply with local environmental laws and regulations.
"Pursuing the ISO 14000 certification is one way of ensuring Jabil's impact on the environment continues to be minimal," said Krajcirovic. "Like other companies, Jabil recognizes the importance of mitigating any negative impact industry may have on the environment. It is part of being a good corporate citizen."
All critical aspects of Jabil's operation with the potential to introduce harmful substances into the environment through air, sewer systems, or solid waste disposal were assessed.
The process included monitoring readings for air emissions, water and other fluids discharged from the plant and initiating an intensive recycling program. In addition, the Company is responsible for ensuring waste disposal contractors it does business with comply with local environmental laws and regulations.
Semiannually BSI will assess the facility to assure ongoing compliance and improvement guidelines are being met.
It took about nine months to develop and certify the ISO 14000 system in Scotland. The Company plans to leverage what it has learned from certifying the Scotland facility when it certifies subsequent plants.
About Jabil Circuit
Jabil Circuit, Inc. is an electronic manufacturer of circuit board assemblies and systems for communications, personal computers, peripherals, automotive and consumer products. Jabil offers circuit design, board design from schematic, mechanical design, prototype assembly, volume board assembly, system assembly and direct fulfillment services from automated manufacturing facilities in Florida, Michigan, California, Idaho, Italy, Scotland, Malaysia and Mexico. Further information about Jabil can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.jabil.com.