Earning ISO 9001:2015 certification is a rigorous, multi-step process that requires a fundamental commitment to a Quality Management System (QMS).
For a company like Midwest Cooling Towers, the journey to earn the certification begins with a comprehensive review and documentation of all core processes—from engineering and custom manufacturing to installation and service—to ensure they align with the international standard. This involves developing a robust QMS manual, establishing clear quality objectives, providing extensive employee training, and integrating a system for identifying and addressing quality issues.
After the QMS is fully implemented and operational for a sufficient period, we must complete a series of internal audits to verify its effectiveness and compliance. The final step to earn the certification involves an external, independent audit by an accredited registrar, who thoroughly assesses the company’s QMS against every requirement of the ISO 9001:2015 standard and issues the certificate upon a successful finding.
However, certification is not a one-time event; the critical ongoing commitment is how Midwest Cooling Towers keeps the certification year after year. The standard is founded on the principle of continuous improvement, which requires the company to constantly monitor and measure its quality performance using key indicators, regularly collect and analyze customer feedback, and conduct management reviews.
To keep the certification, the organization must participate in mandatory annual surveillance audits conducted by the external registrar. This cycle of audits, coupled with an organizational culture that prioritizes continuous assessment and improvement of processes, ensures that the QMS remains effective, compliant, and continues to deliver consistent, high-quality products and services to meet customer expectations.
Many large organizations and government contracts require ISO 9001:2015 certification, and Midwest Cooling Towers is one of only a handful of cooling tower companies to have the certification.
ISO certification is one part of our continued vision to provide the best quality and safety for our customers and employees.
