Treblig Inc. (Greenville, SC) is a computer numeric control (CNC) precision machine shop that provides precision turning and milling services to companies like Michelin, Ross Controls, Stone Air, Lockheed and WABCO. Treblig was formed in 1983 and employs 13 people. With an eye to improving the long-term viability of the business, President and Co-Founder Estlean Cook felt the time had come to achieve ISO 9001: 2000 compliance.
Cook was concerned that Treblig's labor costs were topping 52% of production costs, compared to the national average of 32%. In addition, Cook wanted to increase sales by 25% annually by becoming a Tier Two supplier to the automotive industry. To compete with larger manufacturers, the company had to increase productivity and efficiency, while reducing labor costs, unnecessary inventory and scrap materials. Company management felt that in order to increase system-wide productivity, quality and efficiency, while reducing costs, the company must become ISO 9001 certified. Unfortunately, Treblig had a limited budget for achieving all ISO requirements in order to gain certification for its quality assurance program.