Profile Of Success: Bemco Inc.
Friday, Apr 6, 2007
Bemco Inc. started business in 1957 developing into a sub-contractor to the Aerospace Industry (NAICS 332912). With customers including prime aircraft and helicopter companies, international sub-contractors, and the government armed services, currently, Bemco, Inc. employs 35 people at its facility in Centerton, Arkansas.
In 2005, Bemco, Inc. learned that certain customers were implementing the requirement of AS 9100 registration for their suppliers. While Bemco, Inc. understood that implementing the aerospace quality standard would impact the production environment and methods of operations by increasing efficiency and effectiveness, they did not have the internal expertise to effectively develop the required program
An Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions Project Manager spoke with Bemco, Inc., Quality Assurance Manager, Jerry Yount, to determine specific needs and timeline expectations. AMS introduced Mr. Yount to a highly qualified consultant who lives within 30 minutes of the Bemco facility. The first part of the plan was to set up an implementation plan that fit the Bemco's timeline for registration.
The second part of the plan was to apply for a state grant to assist with the cost of hiring the technical expert, Steve Saunders of Saunders Consulting Services. This implementation project met the criteria for The Arkansas Science and Technology Authority Technical Transfer grant, and Bemco's first grant application was approved in the spring of 2006. A second application was submitted and approved to provide additional assistance to complete the implementation in early 2007. The grants paid 75% of the cost of the consultant.
As a result, Bemco, Inc. received AS 9100 certification on 12-21-2006. A direct result of achieving certification was the retention of business valued at $1.5 million and the retention of 15 associated positions within the company. Additionally, increased sales are anticipated.
“The assistance of Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions and the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority made the ISO certification process much simpler for our small business,” says Yount. “Certification would have been much more difficult for us to achieve without their help.”
