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Tyne Valley's GMS achieves first specification of its kind worldwide

Tyne Valley-based GMS, a supply chain management company, has become one of the first of its size to secure a global quality certification.

After coming through a rigorous auditing process, the firm has gained accreditation for a PAS 99 integrated management system, the first specification of its kind worldwide.

A means of rationalising the administration of an organisation’s internal processes, objectives and standards, PAS 99 brings together a host of existing certifications beneath one umbrella.

GMS, based on Low Prudhoe Industrial Estate, turned over £11M in 2014, specialising in the source and supply of engineered components.

Among the certifications, are standards in Quality (ISO 9001), Environment (ISO 14001) and Health & Safety (OHSAS 18001).

Having been in the pipeline for over a year, GMS’ certification was rubber-stamped by an auditor on behalf of QAS International on May 29.

It marked a proud moment for GMS QHSE Manager Howard Tomlinson, who has overseen the implementation of the system.

Howard said: “Given the scope of our accreditation – covering import and distribution – I wouldn’t have thought there were many other SMEs with a PAS 99 system, if any.

“As a company, I would hope that it demonstrates the commitment we have to our customers. It also displays a sense of commitment to our workforce, to looking after the environment, as well as to any visitor who comes along to visit our site.

“We tend to find that the expectations of existing customers increase over time, while new clients look to us to have certain standards in place to underline the discipline within the organisation.

“The auditor commented that we have come on leaps and bounds since he first carried out his inspection, and that we are displaying a different level of professionalism. We are aware that maintaining the PAS 99 system will be a challenge in itself, but we have a team capable of seeing it through.”

GMS, based on Low Prudhoe Industrial Estate, turned over £11M in 2014, specialising in the source and supply of engineered components.

Commercial Director Andrew Wood believes that the certification is proof that the company is achieving world-class standards across the board.

He said: “For a company of GMS’ size, to gain accreditation for a PAS 99 integrated management system is quite an achievement. It will demonstrate a pledge on quality, on our people, and on the environment.”

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