Quality assured throughout the supply chain

Wherever we operate, Yanmar Construction Europe follows our strict Quality Management System (QMS). This is designed to reach or exceed ISO 9001:2015 standards – the industry benchmark – and to meet the needs of our customers, both now and in the future.

In particular, our QMS supports five key group strategy initiatives:

1. Dealer Network Development
Objective: Satisfying all customers (both dealers and end customers) by constant product innovations and excellence in after‐sales service.

2. Development of Machine Ranges
Objective: Continuous improvement of our processes and products.

3. Manufacturing Footprint Optimization
Objective: Reducing supply chain costs to maintain competitiveness and to develop our dealer network.

4. Quality Leadership
Objective: Implementing continuous improvement methods to ensure process efficiency.

5. Organizational Structure
Objective: Continuous improvement via training for new skills, both internally (Yanmar staff) and externally (dealers’ staff).

Process

For the Yanmar compact machines division in Europe, the quality control process is composed of three pillars:

  • Customer satisfaction – we promote this via close liaison with the after-sales department and the use of an advanced customer relationship management (CRM) platform.
  • Non-stop production support – within the quality department, there are always two people in charge of production. They ensure continual quality and solve any issues that may arise during production.
  • Continuous improvement – both of products and processes, via the production of machines and other products. We integrate all past information on products and processes, applying fresh innovations and techniques to develop premium products.

Product

A rigorous set of procedures ensures the quality of our products and those who work with them:

  • Product conception validation – we use our proprietary Y Gate procedure to validate all new machine models, and to apply quality tests to all prototypes, samples and any model about to go into production. This ensures that long before a machine goes on the market, it has been thoroughly evaluated at every stage.
  • Defined production – for each model, we create a defined set of steps for machine production.
  • Specialist training – we deliver operational training and continuous qualification for production, quality control and auditing.

Metrology and controls

Each product and component part is subject to rigorous quality control procedures:

  • CMM measurement – we use a range of 3D equipment, including coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) to measure the main components assembled on machines and achieve pinpoint accuracy and fitting. We also undertake validation of major structural assemblies such as frames and cabins.
  • Welding assurance – we make use of micrography to validate welding penetration and ensure there are no defects on any joins.
  • Hydraulic cleanliness control – this ensures the smooth function of the hydraulic system of each machine.
  • Independent calibration – we use certified external companies to undertake continuous calibration of our measurement devices and tools to make sure they maintain quality.

Supplier development

To ensure the suppliers we work with and the products and components they supply continue to be of the highest quality, we follow a range of procedures:

  • Supplier quality control – we follow an advanced production part approval process (PPAP) to validate new suppliers and any fresh components they supply.
  • Ongoing checks – we undertake regular checks throughout the lifecycle of each product.
  • Supplier audits – we check supplier performance and conduct in-house audits on a regular basis, with the supplier development team and purchasing and quality team working closely to ensure accurate assessment.

ISO 9001 development

The ISO series of quality management standards has been recognised worldwide for over 30 years as a guarantor of quality in products and services. Yanmar has its latest iteration, ISO 9001:2015 certification, which means that we adhere to its strict principles:

  • ISO 9001:2015 standards – the Yanmar quality management system fully conforms to ISO 9001:2015, and is focused on risk management.
  • Frequent audits – we undertake regular internal process audits.
  • Continuous improvement– our quality control system is designed to implement ongoing improvements.

REACH Statement

Environmental protection is important to YANMAR COMPACT EQUIPMENT EMEA. This is why our company is implementing the necessary measures to ensure compliance with environmental regulations such as REACH EC/1907/2006.