Few organizations globally have managed to obtain it. ISO 55001, Asset Management is a powerful tool to better understand, monitor and support strategies as well as improve performance and manage risk. On top of the accomplishment of becoming certified, the journey towards certification was selected as best practice by the independent auditors who carried out the evaluation.
"This is a fantastic achievement," says Massimo Balestrini, Vice President Operations and President PG BHE/FHE & WHE. "The standard is considered the mother of all certifications. It's new, it's innovative and few has managed to obtain it."
The decision to seek certification was taken in 2019. Being certified sends a strong signal as it means the site have obtained independent verification against recognized industry standards.
ISO (International Organization for Standardization) develops standards to ensure the quality, safety and efficiency of products, services and systems to safeguard consistency. ISO 55001 is an asset management system focusing on all company assets – tangible as well as intangible, providing several benefits.
Alfa Laval's road towards ISO 55001 certification seen as best practice
The audit process was intense; carried out by three auditors from TUV – an independent inspection organization, and one from Accredia – an accreditation body recognized by the Italian Government. The audit generated very positive feedback to Alfa Laval. In fact, representatives of TUV stated that Alfa Laval’s journey towards ISO 55001 certification is a best practice.
Comments emerging from the audit:
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In all organizations involved the auditors recognized a high level of competence, involvement, and an improvement mindset.
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Strategies - both from Operations and BU BHE - are very well deployed at all levels of the organization, performance constantly monitored, and actions taken in case of deviations.
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Risk management is part of the mindset and fully integrated in all processes.
The ISO 55001 management system in itself provides effective risk management whilst improving the financial performance. Being certified according to ISO 55001 proves an ability to consistently deliver to customer requirements.
About the factory in Italy, San Bonifacio
Alfa Laval’s brazed heat exchanger (BHE) production is moving into a new, purpose-built factory in San Bonifacio, Italy. Manufacturing has already begun at the advanced new facility, and preparations are being made for research and customer training on site.
As the need for energy-saving thermal equipment grows, Alfa Laval is ensuring not only the capacity to meet customer demand, but also the resources for continued development of heat exchanger solutions. The new BHE factory in San Bonifacio, where all major building work has now been completed, is a key part of this effort.
“Our new Italian factory will benefit Alfa Laval customers on many levels,” says Fredrik Ekström, President Business Unit Brazed & Fusion Bonded Heat Exchangers. “Larger, more automated and better situated for logistics, it has ample room for further growth and will shore up our BHE capacity for many years to come. In addition, it will feature an advanced lab for refrigerant research and a well-equipped training center. The move drives both our production and our collaboration with customers forward.”
More certifications
The new factory has ISO 9001, 14001, 45001 and 50001 certifications, as well as PED, ASME and UL certifications.