Volkswagen achieves International ISO Certifications

• Volkswagen achieves international standards certifications
• OHSE and Quality at VWSA continues to be World Class
• Volkswagen Group South Africa first in Volkswagen Group to achieve new VDA6.1 certification

During the annual OHSE and Quality audits conducted by lead auditors from Tuev Nord and Volkswagen AG, Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) was again awarded the ISO 9001:2015 certification and successfully transitioned to the new VDA 6.1:2016 certification. 

VWSA also obtained extensions on current system certifications, namely ISO 14001, ISO 50001 and BS: OHSAS 18001. This annual VWSA Management System audit shows that the company is compliant with the latest international standards. In addition, VWSA has also been re-certified to the Conformity of Production standards (German National and International Road Traffic Legislation - KBA).

Thomas Bunge, Auditor from Tuev Nord Certification Body, responsible for auditing Occupational Health, Safety, Environmental and Energy Systems at many Volkswagen Plants worldwide, announced at the final meeting that Volkswagen Group South Africa had successfully managed to keep a strong focus on OHSE system improvements. He noted that this achievement was significant given the complexities and change points VWSA is currently experiencing due to the ramp up phase of the new vehicle. This confirms that in terms of Occupational Health, Safety, Environmental and Energy requirements VWSA is ready and able to achieve success in the production of the new vehicles. 

“We advised VWSA to continue focussing on minimising random incidents. All employees must be encouraged to practise good work habits and be able to identify all possible hazards that can be actioned through the robust systems already in place in the company,” commented Bunge.

Bunge highlighted that the OHSE Systems at VWSA continued to show exceptional improvements and results. During the intensive audit the following strengths in the OHSE Systems were noted by Bunge, energy and environmental objectives and targets, waste separation project, chemical management project and risk Management to name a few.

Harald Brandt and Kay Jürgensen, Auditors also from Tuev Nord Certification Body, responsible for the Quality Audit, noted that although a few minor non conformities were found, the company has a functioning and effective management system based on the standards audited. These systems and standards are adhered to by the employees and the auditors considered all findings as non-system critical. 

This achievement of the certification guarantees that the Uitenhage plant has the management systems in place as a pre-requisite for export to international customers; it also ensures the continuation of VWSA’s export programme and provides assurance to customers, suppliers and employees that VWSA is compliant with international standards.

“The Quality Management System is based on ISO9001 and the additional automotive specific requirements of VDA6.1. This standard has recently been revised and upgraded and as VWSA we are proud to be the first company in the VW Group to achieve this specific certification,” said Thomas Schaefer, Chairman and Managing Director: Volkswagen Group South Africa.

With over 1.1 million certificates issued worldwide, ISO 9001 helps organizations demonstrate to customers that they can offer products and services of consistently good quality, it also acts as a tool to streamline processes, making them more efficient.

“VWSA’s top management promotes and supports the further development of the management system. At VWSA, the processes we audited are determined, followed-up and corrective actions are instigated if necessary, which makes them highly effective and efficient,” commented Brandt.

“Volkswagen Group South Africa is a world class manufacturing facility and receiving these ISO certifications means that we are able to live up to the high levels required to provide our customers with quality products. I am immensely proud of the work and dedication all employees put into the various Quality, Occupational Health, Safety, Environmental and Energy systems that we have at Volkswagen,” concluded Schaefer.

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