W. M. Ironwork Ltd

Newton Tracey, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 3PN
Tel: 01271 858444 • Fax: 01271 858367
Website: www.wmi.uk.com • Email: enquiries@wmi.uk.com

Quality Policy

We are committed to manufacturing top quality equipment, whether it be standard or made-to-measure. The same processes will be used to ensure a smooth coordinated supply route, from the first enquiry to the final supply/installation of the required steelwork.

Our staff are led by a longstanding management team (many have been with the company for over twenty-five years). Their experience and knowledge base is probably unparalleled within the industry.

Our standards are based on the principles below, but always with the provision that these are base requirements (not the ultimate) and that we should aim to exceed them at all times.

We are here to make your life and workload as easy as possible. Get us involved from the start of your projects — we can supply detailed drawings of your requirements/proposals, quotations, manufacture in our large North Devon facility, Galvanize/Paint/Powder Coat, then if required install on site, to your total satisfaction.

Principles of W. M. Ironwork Ltd

• We will continuously strive to reduce defects as they cost time and money. We will also reduce site defects as they also cause loss of reputation and disruption to everybody’s work.
• We check that our internal team or supplier has given us the correct product or documents before we work on them — less time wastage = more productivity.
• The cost of a mistake shall be seen as an unplanned investment in the future. We shall investigate each mistake to understand how/why it happened and learn how not to repeat it. As a tool the 4M’s will be used (Can the fault be corrected by: the Man (training), the Method, the Machine or the Material?).
• We shall request feedback from randomly chosen customers to find out where we can do things better.

“Perfection does not exist — it can only be strived for”

• A happy customer is a continuous/returning customer, so we will never knowingly mislead any customer with regard to delivery dates or specification of equipment to be supplied. We will always endeavour to deliver on or before any agreed/promised date.
• We will also ensure that once the equipment has been delivered and installed (if required) that we give the best possible aftercare service.

Quality Policy Continued

“We don’t just forget about a job once it is finished!”

• Our task is not only to do the job, but also to find a better way of doing the job — our customers are our business. We therefore take time to ensure the equipment supplied exactly meets and fulfils their requirements.
• We will identify from our business plan our training needs and then supply them. Each person shall help by identifying their own strengths and weaknesses and by suggesting their training needs.
• Safety must always come first.

Compromise is NOT acceptable —

“Safety first — Safety last — No Shortcuts.”

• We shall keep our office, factory and site clean and tidy. Sites are our ‘shop window’, and our customers shall receive a good impression by the safe working, appearance and politeness of our site workers.
• We are and will always be available to ALL members of staff who put forward ideas for the improved running of the company, improving our products, and increasing the product range available.

“A happy workforce is an achieving workforce”

QUALITY CONTROL SYSTEM
(to enable achievement of our Quality Policy)

The W. M. Ironwork Ltd quality control system is designed to ensure that all equipment is supplied to the highest standard, with the aim of 0% complaints. The system includes checks at various stages from quotation to final supply/installation.

1. The Quality Control System starts with the initial enquiry. When quotation is being prepared, information is gathered from the client, site visits, and/or submitted drawings. The sales representative will ensure all required information is obtained to complete an accurate quotation.
2. Quotation will include specification, labour requirements, finish and installation (if required). All materials and sundries will be sourced from reputable suppliers.
3. If full information is not available, best estimates will be used and quotation issued noting it is not final. A full quote will follow once all information is received.
4. When a written order is received, the order number is added to the job booking sheet. Order details are entered into the company order system and a job number allocated for traceability.
5. All details, drawings, and measurements are passed to Production Engineering for detailed drawings. Once approved, drawings are copied for reference and originals go to production. Material lists go to purchasing.
6. Production drawings go to the Main Factory or Stainless Department. Cutting lists go to sawing or fitting. Completed materials are placed on marked trolleys.
7. Welders receive w/gens, complete fabrication, sign and stamp. Works Manager checks, stamps, or orders rectification.
8. Completed items are moved for Hot Dip Galvanizing, Painting or Powder Coating.
9. Paint or powder finishes are applied and recorded. Galvanized items are checked for coverage and defects.
10. Painted items are dried and prepared for despatch with protective spacing.
11. Powder coated items are padded, stacked and wrapped if required.
12. Galvanized items are fettled and checked for spikes, distortion and compliance.
13. Despatch checks ensure completeness and no damage. Any issues are reported immediately.
14. If fitted by site teams: PPE, induction, client instructions, safe unloading, compliance with RAMS and COSHH.
15. If delivered by company transport: paperwork collected, items checked, loaded securely, signed off on delivery.
16. If despatched by courier: paperwork collected, items loaded, carrier signs collection note.
17. If collected by client: paperwork issued, payment taken (if applicable), items checked and loaded.
18. Before despatch, invoice is raised and payment terms confirmed.
19. Delivery notes signed and returned to office with payments (if applicable).
20. All contract paperwork is filed for future reference.
21. Any complaints are analysed; if justified, rectification is arranged and the client kept informed.
22. Remember: The Client is the most important person — without clients we have no business!
    “Quality products keep clients happy and returning.”

Created 2011 — Revised ongoing (max 12-month interval). Latest review/amendment: 19/03/2025 — West, Company Director.