GWT has successfully passed a rigorous four day audit of its AS9100 / ISO 9001 quality program and has renewed their three year contract with NSF-ISR. Every six months, NSF-ISR will be visiting the plant to conduct a one day regularly scheduled surveillance audit to ensure that GWT�s quality system is operating effectively and as documented.

Golden West Technology has installed a DI water system that now complements our traditional RO-based water system. In addition, a batch cleaner and a cleanliness tester are in place to insure that PCBAs meet the rigorous cleanliness standards put forth by the aerospace and military industries.

GWT has just added a Certified IPC Trainer to its staff. Kathy Griego completed the rigorous 4 day course to achieve the necessary certification. IPC training classes will now be conducted on-site going forward. This enhances an already very effective, ISO grounded program structured around competency based training.

GWT recently reorganized its plant floor layout to minimize contact between non-ESD protected people and the assemblies in process. Also, documents that accompany jobs are placed in anti-static bags to further protect the PCBAs they accompany. Lastly, all workstations have been equipped with continuous wrist strap monitoring devices that will sound an alarm if ESD protection lapses.

GWT attends Nadcap, the global cooperative standards-setting program for aerospace, defense and related industries, for the first time. The four day conference from Feb 16-20 was held in Dallas, TX, and GWT sent two associates to participate and get introduced to the organization. Riki Brown and Dick Fryhoff were assigned to the Electronics group and participated in information sessions, training, and various breakout sessions discussing future policy and direction.