DNV is to provide ISO 9001 quality certification to Qatalum.
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DNV Business Assurance Middle East has signed a contract with Qatarlum, a joint venture between Norsk Hydro (Europe’s third largest aluminium producer) and Qatar Petroleum. The contract initially covers ISO 9001:2008 and TS16949 (Automotive statndard) quality certification and training, with the intention to extend services to include ISO14001 (Environment) and OHSAS18001 (Safety) certification.
“I am very happy we have secured this important contract,” says Torger Baardseth DNV’s regional manager. “Qatalum represents a significant strengthening of Hydro’s position as one of the leading producers in the global aluminium industry so we’re delighted they have opted to use DNV.”
Qatalum is Norway’s largest foreign onshore investment and is being built in Mesaieed, Qatar. It started operations last December. When in full production, the plant will open new markets for Hydro and supply the Middle East, Asia and North America.
“It is important for us to reach the highest standards possible,” says Bjorn Anders Hilland, head of Qatalum’s Production system Department. “While setting plans to develop our customer services, we considered the importance of gaining our customers trust through quality products, processes and services. To this end, we believe attaining IS0 9001 certification will ensure customer satisfaction and enhance our competitive edge in new markets in the future.”
Commenting on the scope of DNV’s work, Anil Kumar, DNV’s area manager said, “The ISO 9001 standard includes a strong emphasis on customer service and satisfaction. Our focus is on the processes not the products. The standard criteria focuses on continuous quality management practices in areas involving customer satisfaction and internal processes and systems.”
Qatalum is one of the largest and most modern primary aluminium plants in the world. It has been built is just 25 months. It is expected to reach full annual capacity of 585,000 metric tons in the fourth quarter this year. Total investment costs are approximately $5.7 billion.
