Government backing

The Pakistan Government is encouraging ISO 9000 implementation by offering grants to exporting companies which achieve certification and by assisting small businesses to reduce the cost of certification through the formation of self-help groups. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA), North Zone, announced its plans to encourage ISO 9000 certification of all its members.

IKEA and ISO 9000

IKEA, the Swedish multinational furniture company, recognizes the part played by quality management based on ISO 9000 in reducing production costs. In an article in the French business weekly LUsine nouvelle, the director of IKEAs third largest purchasing centre was referring to the companys strategy of partnership with suppliers in order to reduce costs. This was accompanied by a greater emphasis on auditing suppliers. Fortunately, remarked IKEA, the number of companies certified to ISO 9000 or implementing our quality control system, SIP4, has risen from 60 % to 90 %.

Swiss bank goes green

The Swiss bank Credit Suisse has achieved ISO 14000 certification of its environmental management system. Its environmental objectives include replacing the use of fuel oil by gas, reducing its electricity consumption by 10 % annually between now and 2004 and generating clean energy by installing solar panels on the roof of its Geneva office. As a result of these measures, which require an investment of CHF 30 million, the bank expects to economize CHF 3 million a year by 2004. In addition, the Credit Suisse has established a new department, Ecorisques, which explains to

ISO 9000 NEWS 1/1998

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