Gardner Denver Achieves Automotive Industry Certification

The standard indicates that Gardner Denver works within a QMS that has been implemented based around risk and continuous improvement practices.  This includes a focus on preventing defects during production, limiting variation between products, and reducing waste in the supply chain. 

This certification is the culmination of a two-year long project for Gardner Denver as it looks to develop its transit business unit further. The business supplies electrically-driven, rotary vane air compressors from its renowned Hydrovane brand into the expanding electric truck and bus market.

For most leading OEMs in the global automotive sector, IATF 16949:2016 is a mandatory pe-requisite to become a supplier, as it establishes a precedent for the high quality and process management expected of it supply chain.

David Houston, Director of Operations at Gardner Denver, said: “Cross Lane is an important step forward for our business and customers. The investment will guarantee manufacture of precision-engineered compressors remains in Bradford for years to come, while also helping to develop the next generation of talent. We have a strong base of knowledge and experience in the local area, so it made sense to keep all our high-tolerance machining nearby”.

Houston continued: “Moves of this kind can be disruptive, but it was carried out in phases to minimise downtime. The facility maintained production and supply throughout the entire process, which is testament to the skill and commitment of our staff at Cross Lane. Having all inventory in one place – as well as purchasing, production and engineering all together – will ultimately make us more agile to customers’ needs. This is key given the pace of change in today’s transport sector”.

Gardner Denver is part of Ingersoll Rand Transport Solutions. With a focus on dry and liquid bulk transfer for road tankers, compressor packages for electric vehicles, dry-break couplings and fuel systems, IRTS has a global presence with more than 100 sites and distributors situated across the globe.

“We could not have achieved this new standard without the help, support and hard work of the Redditch team. Well done to everyone involved.”