Crystal Lake’s Alpha Star Tool and Mold Gets International Certification
In a record five months, a family-owned Crystal Lake tool and mold maker obtained ISO 9001:2008 registration which will allow it to diversify its customer base and do business with major corporations.
Alpha Star Tool and Mold, Inc. is a manufacturer of high-end precision tooling and molds. According to Vice President Matt Thurow, the business started by his parents in 1988 is a “well-oiled machine, highly respected in its industry.” Like other small manufacturers fighting to adapt to the economic downturn, Alpha Star knew that building a diversified customer base, from consumer goods to laboratory equipment to aerospace and energy products, was essential. To do this they needed the credibility only an ISO registration can bring.
Alpha Star leaders approached U.S. Rep. Donald Manzullo for help. Manzullo was impressed with the company’s Crystal Lake facility and introduced Thurow to officials at the McHenry County EDC, which turned to IMEC to conduct an initial review of the company’s quality systems.
Confident that the company had the right processes in place, IMEC engaged the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to help the company obtain grant funding to help offset part of the training component of the project. There was one catch: a five month window to complete the project and utilize the grant money. IMEC had never completed a full ISO 9001:2008 preparation project in such a short time.
Financial support in hand, IMEC and the McHenry County EDC worked to fast-track the process. “IMEC told us we were the most ISO-ready company they’ve ever worked with,” Thurow said.
IMEC kicked off the project with an all-employee meeting with Alpha Star’s 17 employees, explaining the registration process and answering questions. According to Thurow, this meeting was a key step in achieving buy-in from his team. “We appreciated that IMEC didn’t come in and throw out what we’ve been doing successfully for 20 years. They took the time to understand our culture and our business.”
According to IMEC President David Boulay, there are many companies like Alpha Star that have the capability to compete on a larger scale, “they just need the guidance and perspective, and often just some minor adjustments that our organization can help provide.”
IMEC quality specialists worked with Alpha Star to document their existing processes to conform to ISO 9001:2008 procedures, and prepared company leaders to conduct their own internal audits.
With the ISO 9001:2008 certification in hand, Alpha Star is equipped to approach companies like GE Aviation and Boeing. Thurow said his company is planning to turn to IMEC again next year to pursue additional quality registrations. “We’re thinking long term and looking forward to working with Congressman Manzullo and others to reach out to larger companies. We know the certification makes us look more professional in their eyes and we have IMEC to thank for helping us achieve it so quickly.”
U.S. Rep. Manzullo and officials from IMEC, the McHenry County EDC, and DCEO were given a tour of the now ISO 900:2008-certified facility.
About Alpha Star Tool and Mold, Inc.
Alpha Star Tool and Mold designs and builds high quality multi-cavity plastic injection molds (including sophisticated unscrewing molds and blow fill seal molds) and interchangeable injection mold parts. They excel at machining high precision metal parts with tight tolerances and high repeatability.
From prototype to high production molds, Alpha Star’s knowledge base and extensive experience and expertise assures the optimal cost effective solution to meet the most challenging needs. Their approach to solving problems and tackling machining challenges that others won't try have made them an invaluable partner to customers.
