Local fabrication company ND Engineering, which has extensive experience in the manufacture of equipment for industrial processes using a variety of standard and exotic grades of materials, achieved ISO 3834:2005 compliance for the quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials last month.

ND Engineering MD Elvis Green says that ISO 3834:2005 accreditation will add considerable value to the company’s offering.

“To keep one’s standards at the highest pos-sible level in this ever-changing industry, it is vital to keep abreast of the latest developments. “This is why we decided to undertake ISO 3834:2005 accreditation, as it is the fundamental quality benchmark in this industry, which will enhance and strengthen our existing, well-developed and high-quality manufacturing system,” he states.

Green adds that one of the most important aspects of ISO 3834:2005 accreditation is its universal acceptability in the Southern African welding industry.

“Although we have been working for several years with many blue-chip clients who have been satisfied with the quality of our products and service, ISO 3834:2005 accreditation is an objective confirmation to our clients that they are receiving high-quality products from us, based on international standards,” he says.

ISO 3834:2005 certification, which is com-monly known in South Africa as the Southern African Institute of Welding’s (SAIW’s) Welding Fabricator Certification Scheme, is managed by the institute’s certification division.

The SAIW explains that its certification division is authorised to operate by the Inter-national Institute of Welding.

“Our certification division was the first organ- isation outside Europe to receive such author-isation,” states the SAIW.

Meanwhile, SAIW operations GM Sean Blake says the number of companies applying for and receiving ISO 3834:2005 accreditation continues to grow in South Africa.

“This is a positive trend for the local industry, as compliance with ISO 3834:2005 ensures that our fabricators are working to the highest possible standards,” he states, adding that the accreditation also makes the process of choosing suppliers significantly easier for the large end-users.

Green highlights that the entire ISO 3834:2005 accreditation process for ND Engineering was a smooth one, adding that the SAIW’s team were highly professional and were with the company at every turn.

About ND Engineering

ND Engineering was founded in 1975 and is focused on the fabrication of proprietary equipment for international and local technology providers.

ND Engineering’s strength is its “highly skilled” and experienced team.

“From inception nearly 40 years ago, the company has endeavoured to keep its workforce stable and, most importantly, continuously trained to the highest possible standards,” says Green.

“We have never relied on contract labour, preferring to standardise and make sure we have a consistent supply of skilled workers. This is a distinct advantage for our clients who can rely on crews whose core has an average of over 20 years’ experience in our specialist fields.”

He adds that one of the “secrets” of ND’s success has been paying special attention to all stakeholders in the business.

“We have built and developed a culture of excellence, driven by leadership and a whole-hearted buy-in of all employees, suppliers and customers. We have always gone the extra mile to ensure our professionalism and the ISO 3834:2005 accreditation is an example of this.”

ND Engineering operates in the pulp and paper, mining, petrochemicals, chemicals and sugar industries. The company also manufactures a range of products, including, but not limited to, heat exchangers, reactor vessels, evaporators, pressure vessels, cyclones, separators, spray dryers, bulk storage vessels, acid plant and equipment.