Media information: 17 November 2005
Compac Captures a First in Quality Certification
Compac Sorting Equipment is on target to boost its local manufacturing thanks to a recently-gained US standards
certification.
Compac is believed to be the only company in NZ or Australia to be awarded compliance with the US-originating UL508a
certification for its industrial control panels.
Electronics Production Manager Mike Thornley says the certification will allow Compac to boost local manufacture of
large motor control panels for their machines rather than rely on US sources, which they have had to do in the past.
Compac exports the software and machinery that enables fruit and vegetable pack houses to sort produce faster, more
accurately and grade according to blemish.
Without certification, some of their New Zealand-made machinery was being reworked by their US distributor (described by
Thornley as a ‘switched on seller and installer of large systems”) who subsequently encouraged Compac to seek
compliance.
“Our machinery complied with safety standards in NZ and Australia but didn’t meet some of the details of the very
stringent US standards, which themselves vary from state to state,” says Mr Thornley. He said the project required
considerable company commitment over three years.
The process culminated in an in-depth analysis by auditors looking at all aspects of the business from purchasing
through to design and manufacture.
Compac’s Auckland manufacturing plant is now a certified facility complying with UL508a, standards, supporting the
company’s customised machinery and associated industrial control panels. The process is on-going, with unannounced
audits at any time.
According to Mr Thornley, certification will have big benefits for Compac’s customers and advantages for the company in
its continued sales growth in the US, as well opening doors for the company to complete more of its work in New Zealand
and providing an unequalled quality assurance for customers.
ENDS
About Compac Sorting Equipment:
Manufacturers of high speed, accurate sorting systems for fruit and vegetables, Compac is a world leader in post harvest
technology, through on-going commitment to research and development.
www.compacsort.com