Why should customers care about our industry accreditations? Get the answers in our 5-minute read.
Go onto our website and you'll notice we big up our industry accreditations – those formal-sounding acronyms like ISO and BS EN. Each one is there for the same reason: to give you, the customer, peace of mind.
These accreditations are a third-party seal of approval that our products are up to scratch. Without them, you can't be sure that you're not getting sold a pup.
In this article, we talk you through our key accreditations and what they mean for you.
ISO 9001
What is it?
ISO is the International Organization for Standardization. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, it sets out global standards for goods and services.
While ISO is, as the name says, an international organisation, it's administered in different countries by different bodies. In the UK, it's the responsibility of the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).
UKAS is run by the government. It inspects businesses to check that they're meeting ISO standards.
ISO 9001 provides a framework for organisations to ensure their products and services consistently meet customer and regulatory requirements. It also helps ensure that their processes and performance are continually improving.
What does it mean for you?
For a company to get certified to ISO 9001, it needs to demonstrate two things: one, that it's committed to delivering quality products, and two, that it's continually improving its processes.
By definition, toughened glass is a product that needs to be made to a high standard. Settle for lower-quality products and you put your customers at risk. Without exception, safety glass has to be safe, whether used in a domestic or commercial setting.
That's what ISO 9001 means for you. You know you can count on us for high-quality products and a culture of self-improvement. No corners cut – just best-in-class toughened glass products.
BSI Kitemark
What is it?
The BSI Kitemark is a quality mark. It's not unlike the label on a pair of vintage Levi's. When you see it, you know you're getting the real deal, not some shady knock-off.
What do we mean by "quality"? BSI says it looks for consistency, safety and quality control, and product management systems, including the aforementioned ISO 9001.
To get it, you have to submit samples to the BSI laboratory, where it's tested by third-party experts against industry standards.
What does it mean for you?
These days, the marketplace is crowded. Customers are faced with a dilemma: how can you tell one product from the next? Do you prioritise price? Experience? Customer service? Marketing materials?
BSI Kitemark solves this problem by providing customers with an objective mark of quality. It helps you separate the sheep from the goats.
And it works. Consumer research firm GfK found that
88% of consumers trust the BSI Kitemark.
So when we say our products are high-quality, don't just take our word for it. Look for the BSI Kitemark and know that you're in safe hands.
BS EN standards
What are they?
BS ENs are the British standard implementations of European standards (ENs). They cover a wide range of industrial processes and equipment.
Glass processors like us have to follow BS EN standards for safety glass. These specify the thickness, weight and breakage types of different varieties of safety glass. They also outline impact test methods for glass used in structural glazing.
What do they mean for you?
Safety glass exists to protect people. It's often used in critical locations and, in the case of structural glazing, can bear substantial loads. Because of this, it's essential that it's manufactured in accordance with widely recognised standards. The alternative is to put our customers at risk with subpar products.
At ToughGlaze, all our glass is made in line with BS EN standards, so you can be sure that it's fit for purpose, whatever you use it for.
FORS silver standard
What is it?
FORS is the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme. It's an accreditation earned by haulage businesses as well as firms like ours that deliver goods. It aims to encourage best practices in terms of efficiency, safety and sustainability.
The scheme is voluntary and split into three levels: bronze, silver and gold.
At ToughGlaze, we have a silver standard. This means you can rely on us for legal compliance, road safety, environmental performance and a culture of regular improvements.
What does it mean for you?
At ToughGlaze, we pride ourselves on managing every aspect of glass production and fulfilment: from manufacture to treatment to delivery. But this only gives peace of mind to you, the customer, if you know that each stage of that journey is professionally handled.
Our FORS silver standard tells you that we take fleet management and delivery extremely seriously. We're dedicated to continually improving our fleet, making our deliveries safer, more efficient and, crucially, more environmentally friendly.
Continual review
Just because a company has an accreditation, it doesn't mean it's time to kick back and relax. These standards must be reviewed, checked and assessed both internally and externally. Otherwise, standards could slip. That's why we have a policy of continual review at ToughGlaze.
From quality management systems to fleet management, all aspects of our work are subject to this continual review. It keeps us on our toes and lets you know you're in safe hands.
Conclusion
You don't need us to tell you that the market for glass is crowded. Faced with so much choice, you need to look for signs of quality. That's why we take such pride in our industry accreditations – because they let you know that you're working with a reputable firm.
So, whatever type of glass you're looking for, you can be confident that we're cutting, firing, treating and delivering our products to a high standard. It's just the ToughGlaze way.
Are you looking for high-quality, accredited
commercial glass solutions? Don't hesitate to
get in touch with ToughGlaze for a quick and competitive quote.
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