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Caribbean Outerwear
is located in
Yabucoa, Puerto Rico. Services are geared to the apparel
industry, specifically the manufacture of jackets and polo
shirts. The company has been in business in Puerto Rico
since 1968 and has approximately 105 employees.
The Challenge
Due to foreign countries imports,
production volume had gradually been reduced, thus forcing
the company to reduce costs by down sizing from 200
employees to 70 employees. Searching for US Department of
Defense Contracts (DOD) became an important target. It was
quickly recognized that a formal quality system under ISO
9001:2000 compliance was necessary.
The Solution:
Caribbean Outerwear contacted PRIMEX to
assist and implement the ISO 9000 Standard. A training
program was developed. Policy Manuals and required
documentation was created, internal auditors were trained,
management guidance was provided and a complete ISO
management system was put in place. After a successful audit
by a registrar, Caribbean Outerwear Corp. was certified
under the ISO 9001:2000 Standard and commended for their
good quality and customer service approach.
The Impact:
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$25,000 savings in the
development and implementation of a QMS in
compliance with the ISO 9001:2000 Standard. |
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Awarded a $6.0 million five year
DOD contract |
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A second contract was awarded by
the US Air Force for three (3) years with a value of
$ 2.7 million |
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The number of employees has
increased from 70 to 104. |
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Potential revenue increase of
$9.0 million |
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New market opportunities
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Quote:
"PRIMEX’s support was essential in the
preparation of our company to be able to be certified under
the ISO 9001:2000 Standard. Certification under the ISO
9001:2000 was necessary for Caribbean Outerwear’s survival.
We plan to continue requesting their support to make sure we
continue our improvement efforts that will allow us to
obtain more business and increase our labor force in Puerto
Rico."
- Mr. Carlos Sepulveda, Plant Manager
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