Trilogy Circuits achieves AS9100C certification for quality in aerospace design

RICHARDSON, USA: From airport and airline operations to overhaul and maintenance depots, the aerospace industry continues to move toward requiring all members of the supply chain to demonstrate a high-level standards certification that remains consistent on a global level.

In order to demonstrate its commitment to delivering quality products and services to its worldwide customers in the military and aerospace industries through exceeding these expectations, electronics manufacturing services (EMS) provider Trilogy Circuits recently became one of the first Texas companies in the industry to achieve AS9100C Aerospace Quality Standard System Certification.

“When we first achieved AS9100 certification a year-and-a-half ago, we predicted that it would soon become a prerequisite for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and government contractors around the world,” said Charles Capers, CEO of Trilogy Circuits. “As that prediction proves to be true and aerospace technology continues to evolve, we’re pleased to tell our customers that we’re on the leading edge of the industry and are one of the first to advance to C-level certification.”

The AS9100C certification constitutes the latest ISO 9001:2008 specifications for quality management systems (QMSs) enhanced by the Society for Automotive Engineers’ (SAE) unique requirements for the industry. It is more robust than the B-level standard with roughly 100 additional requirements. In Trilogy Circuits’ case, the certification verifies the company’s processes for printed circuit board (PCB) layout, fabrication and assembly, and assures its customers that continual improvement in satisfaction and business processes is of utmost importance.

“Adhering to the high standards established by the AS9100C certification allows our customers to benefit from improved process consistency and stability that ensures a high-quality product,” said Steve Fox, quality assurance manager at Trilogy Circuits. “But the QMS practices also contribute to the reduction of organizational waste, inefficiencies and defects – which translates into additional benefits for the Trilogy Circuits customer and improves the aerospace industry as a whole.”

Fox joined Trilogy Circuits as a full-time Quality Assurance Manager in 2010 and facilitated the company’s original pursuit of AS9100B certification with the assistance of Texas consulting group TMAC. According to a timeline set in place by the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG), the transition of all existing AS9100 certified organizations from B- to C-level must be complete by July 2012.