ERIGER – Best IIW Manufacturing Certification Scheme ISO 3834 Company Award

Eriger Sets New Standards in Industrial Excellence with 2024 IIW Manufacturers Certification Award

A Story of Innovation, Quality & SAIW Recognition

Eriger, a leader in South Africa’s industrial boiler and energy systems sector, has been awarded the distinguished Best IIW Manufacturers Certification Scheme ISO 3834 Award at the 2024 SAIW Awards. This honour, which recognizes exceptional adherence to international welding and manufacturing standards, is a testament to Eriger’s commitment to excellence, quality, and innovation in an increasingly demanding industry. The award signifies the company’s achievements and the value of the SAIW’s dedication to elevating standards within the welding and manufacturing community.

A significant achievement

For Eriger, winning this award is more than an accolade; it is validation of their tireless commitment to quality. The company has always aimed to exceed client expectations, ensuring that their products meet the highest standards of safety and performance. Eriger MD Ian Mc Leod says, “It is an honour to receive this prestigious award. This recognition from SAIW validates the hard work and dedication we have put into continually refining and enhancing our service offerings.”

The award shines a spotlight on Eriger’s core mission: to deliver exceptional products while adhering to and often surpassing industry benchmarks. Their focus on quality control and sustainability underscores a company ethos that places customer satisfaction and product excellence at the forefront.

Going beyond industry standards

A crucial aspect of Eriger’s success has been its approach to quality and process control. In the world of industrial manufacturing, achieving standards is not enough; the company’s philosophy is to treat industry standards as a minimum requirement. To this end, the company has implemented various internal processes that ensure the highest quality at every stage of production.

The company employs effective performance indicators such as technical specifications, comprehensive product inspections, regular management audits, and customer feedback reports. These practices help maintain a consistent quality standard that not only meets but often exceeds industry expectations. By continually refining their quality control processes, the organisation ensures that their products align with their clients’ needs while maintaining a low repair rate – a reflection of their welders’ dedication and skill.

One of the unique ways the company achieves this is by actively engaging with their welding teams. “Our welders take pride in keeping their repair rate as low as possible. We regularly collaborate with them to identify ways to improve our welding techniques and reduce, if not eliminate, the need for weld repairs altogether,” says Mc Leod. This collaborative approach has fostered a culture of pride and accountability, with welders and inspectors alike working together to elevate quality.

In addition, the company frequently opts to increase their non-destructive testing (NDT) percentages, even when not mandated by code. This practice provides an added layer of assurance that each product meets the highest possible standard, further solidifying the company’s reputation for safety and reliability.

Facing and overcoming challenges

Like many organizations seeking certification, Eriger faced challenges in obtaining the IIW certification. Initially, they engaged consultants to guide them through the complex process, however, they soon realised that ownership of the certification process was essential. By taking full control and responsibility, the company ensured that their team lived and breathed the required processes, achieving more sustainable and lasting results.

This experience has strengthened the company’s capabilities and fostered a sense of resilience and adaptability among its team members. The certification journey not only bolstered their skills but also emphasized the importance of internalising processes to meet industry demands authentically. In so doing, Eriger has built a stronger foundation for ongoing compliance, making certification an integral part of their daily operations rather than a one-time achievement.

The role of SAIW in driving excellence

Overall, for Eriger, the SAIW is more than an awarding body; it is a catalyst for industry improvement. Through its standards, certifications, and support, SAIW has played a vital role in shaping the organisation’s success. By setting high standards and supporting companies through the certification process, SAIW fosters a culture of excellence across South Africa’s welding and manufacturing sectors.

“This recognition not only reflects the company’s dedication to excellence but also underscores the importance of the SAIW’s role in championing quality and innovation within the industry,” concludes Mc Leod.