Oerlikon Systems successfully concluded an ISO re–audit of its Balzers (Liechtenstein) development and production site, which is recertified for ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 standards. The rapid certification without any discrepancies identified by the audit body emphasizes the company´s focus on sustainable manufacturing techniques.
The ISO 9001 standards address quality management issues that include client quality requirements and regulatory guidelines, while ISO 14001 standards deal with the environmental management within an organization to minimize harmful effects on the environment caused by e.g. manufacturing, or environmental impacts of the production solutions offered to customers, and to achieve continual improvement of overall environmental performance.
"Today´s microchips and solar cells are a key part of the CO2 reduction efforts that help bring climate change under control," explains Andreas Dill, Head of Oerlikon Systems. "We are firmly committed to the development of sustainable - and increasingly environmentally friendlier - production solutions for the semiconductor and advanced nano industry."
Because the strict adherence to high levels of quality and reliability are vital for the success of the production solutions developed and marketed by Oerlikon Systems, the company utilizes stringent environmental management procedures corresponding to ISO 14001.
"We have made notable progress over the past two years in minimizing the use of resources and successively eliminating or substituting problematic materials used in our production and manufacturing processes," adds Andreas Dill. "And the current adverse market conditions make such efforts even more important - in terms of customer requirements and cost efficiency."
The official ISO certification ceremony for Oerlikon Systems took place on November 26, 2008 at the Balzers facility.
Oerlikon - Enabling High Technology
Oerlikon (SWX:OERL) is one of the world´s most successful high–tech industrial groups specializing in machine and plant engineering. The company is a leader in the field of industrial solutions and innovative technologies for textile manufacture, thin–film solar and thin–film coating, drive, precision and vacuum systems. With roots in Switzerland and a long tradition stretching back 100 years, Oerlikon is a global player with a workforce of more than 19,000 at 170 locations in 35 different countries. The company´s sales amounted to CHF 5.6 billion and it ranks either first or second in the respective global markets. In 2007, approx. 5 percent of the turnover was invested in research and development (CHF 274 million).
