Meet our GRP Quality Coordinator Steve Hardy
In our continuation of ‘meet the AllScope Projects team’ series, our next introduction is to our GRP Quality Coordinator Steve Hardy. Steve has dedicated his support and expertise to AllScope Projects and our clients for over 40 years!
Steve joined us in 1985 and worked in our Production Department for 15 years. Naturally this means he has seen GRP materials, manufacture, product types and processes evolve over a long period of time.
For the next 25 years, Steve has taken his hands-on production experience into our Quality Department as our Quality Coordinator, maintaining our quality inspections, systems and processes.
Steve is an intrinsic element of supporting the business attain, develop and retain many of our quality approvals, accreditations and certifications that you can see here, including our ISO90001:2015 and 14,0001:2015 accreditations.
Implementing a culture of continuous improvement
Steve has given us some insight into his standards and work style and says “’I firmly believe gaining accreditations and certifications must not be a company tick box, marketing department, or vanity exercise.
At AllScope Projects we are dedicated to detail, and by having processes, workflows, open dialogue, constructive feedback, check and balances in place, means I can implement a culture of continuous improvement throughout the workforce.
In manufacturing, we must be efficient. We need to be able to react and adapt precisely, with solutions to any barriers and hurdles we may face. Whether that is with material suppliers, designers, transport, production testing and/or customers, ensuring we have a culture that can critique and embrace solutions with open conversations is key.”
GRP first article inspection reports and production quality
Steve is also responsible for the documenting of first article inspection reports and outcomes and explains “GRP First Article Inspection (FAI) reports are a quality control tool that provide formal verification that the first manufactured component meets all specified design, material, and performance requirements. This could be for prototyping or full-scale production
The FAI process documents critical factors such as material certification, laminate structures, dimensional accuracy, surface finish, bonding methods, and process controls. This allows us to focus on alignment with drawings, specifications, and applicable strict standards relating to a parts use, or the environment the part will be used in e.g. specialist vehicle part certification or phenolic parts.
AllScope Projects structured approach not only reduces the risk of non-conformances and rework / production delays but also provides valuable traceability and assurance for customers operating in regulated or safety-critical environments.”
Bio Resin GPR Development
In reflecting on any specific projects, Steve naturally has a lot to choose from. One in particular that is highly relevant to driving sustainability, was the support provided in the production of our Bio Resin GRP solutions
With a heightening urgency to address climate change and environmental sustainability, Steve played a key role in the research, development process and postproduction evaluation.
You can read more about Bio Resin here.
Cross departmental quality processes
Other quality processes under Steve’s remit include engaging with multiple departments and team members including:
- Paints: Paint adhesion, dry film thickness, and gloss level testing on painted products.
- Production: Inspection and resolution of non-conformances.
- Assets: Calibration system testing of measuring equipment.
- Logistics: Goods-in delivery and pre despatch inspection and documentation.
- Management:
- Using proven processes, such as ‘Five Whys Root Cause Analysis’ and lean manufacturing techniques to enable high consistency and sustainable GRP manufacturing processes.
- Achieving and retaining accreditations such as ISO14001:2015 and ISO9001:2015
Which department would you like to know about next?
Keep coming back to our news page to find out more about AllScope Projects and how we will support you with your GRP manufacturing production project. Call us on 01282 446330