Quality every step of the way

The awning manufacturer markilux only makes its products available when all processes have been subjected to strict checks and they have been tested and documented accordingly.

Technically, an awning is extremely complex. If an awning is to work safely and without a hitch for decades, high standards have to be maintained when it comes to material, design and production. To ensure this, all development and production steps at markilux are certified in accordance with EN ISO 9001, a standard relating to quality management.

According to Michael Gerling, Director of R&D and Production, high demands are put on the quality throughout all processes in the markilux awning facility. Mr Gerling explains: “We started basing our products on strict quality criteria early on – well before German or European industrial standards became a matter of course. Today, we are certified in accordance with the EN ISO 9001:2015 standard, the most important standard when it comes to quality management.”

Quality lives from perfection
An important part of this is the continuous improvement process or CIP for short, because a product, once produced, continues to be developed. Suggestions and ideas for this come from end users, specialist dealers and from our own Production and Technical Support departments. “In construction and the individual production departments, there are regular meetings during which we work on perfecting our products. And in fact all processes in the company,” says Mr Gerling. And that also includes reports stemming from after-sales service with regard to any technical faults. CIP is thus key to remaining in the development process and pressing ahead with the company's demands on quality.
High standards ensure safety
But quality management actually starts in the design phase, already. New projects are regularly worked on across different departments – always with a focus on the highest technical standards. Michael Gerling stresses: “That is why the entire design process is standardised – from the very first ideas, through the drafts and the creation of prototypes to the testing of materials and functionality.” These high standards also apply to the purchasing of raw materials and components – starting off with suppliers testing the material and continuing with thorough checks of incoming goods. “We specify the tolerances for every material we need for production and test either defined samples with standardised testing equipment or the entire delivery in the case of sensitive components.” Thus materials which do not satisfy our technical requirements never actually get as far as the production stage.

Automation ensures greater speed and precision
According to Michael Gerling quality management runs on into a completely automated order processing system, in checks on the individual working steps as well as in logistics. Small components for making the awnings are pre-assembled with exacting precision for the technicians and held in electronically controlled buffer storing locations. That reduces the error rate as well as promoting a paper-free work ethic in parts of production. The buffer storing locations are connected to software which controls the processes and resources in the company. “We manufacture at least 500 systems a day in high season, invariably in the same top quality. And that necessitates both speed and precision of work. Automated processes are extremely helpful in achieving this,” explains Mr Gerling. This is also why the covers are no longer cut by hand but, with extreme precision, using a laser or ultra-sonic cutter. Quality management also includes inspecting goods during production, such as when customers have ordered specially coated materials. Before awnings are shipped, their technical functions are tested and all electronic components verified in accordance with the standards laid down by the Association of German Electrical Engineers.

Due care and attention the best basis for trust
High quality standards are also imperative for markilux in the subsequent shipping process. The products are placed in specially shaped cardboard boxes with protective, moulded padding. This prevents the products sliding around or being damaged during transport. When products are to be shipped abroad, special damage-proof materials are also used. Both in terms of expense and also with regard to the environment, the company makes sure that packaging and transportation skids can, as far as possible, be reused. “As far as shipping is concerned„ we have been working with the same partners for several years now. It took us some time to find freight companies that satisfied our requirements in terms of providing a smooth and damage-free transportation process,” says Michael Gerling. But due care and attention is something that is of vital importance in all processes of production and in the delivery chain, as well. That is what makes a branded product special and forms the basis of a trustworthy relationship with our customers.

For further information, please visit: markilux.com

markilux stands for “Design Made in Germany”, innovative new products and excellent quality in the exterior solar protection sector. Since 1972 folding-arm awnings, conservatory awnings and vertical blinds have been produced at its manufacturing facility in Emsdetten, northern Germany. The high-quality products are distributed by professional partners in Germany and abroad. About 1,000 selected companies assure the high qualitative standards during the assembly of the awnings.

.

conzept3
An der Alten Ziegelei 34
D-48157 Münster
Fon: +49 (0) 251-1347740
Fax: 49 (0) 251-1347738
info@conzept3.de
www.conzept3.de

This release was published on openPR.