Metalcolour – 50 years of High Quality
Right from the start, back in 1973, an ambitious goal was set that every single Metalcolour product would always reach the highest quality. In order to gain a competitive advantage, they founded their business model on the principals of high quality, innovation and flexibility.
This investment has borne fruit. Today, Metalcolour is a company held in high regard and appreciated around the world for the quality of their products. They are recognised for their flexibility as a supplier and over the years have developed innovative solutions now considered as standard.
We took a moment to speak with Christina Præstegaard, quality manager at the Metacolour factory in Denmark, about her views on why quality is so important.
Christina started at Metalcolour 2016, however her impressive professional experience dates back to 1992 when she started working with quality assurance. She has a background in a number of different sectors.
„Regardless of the industry, it’s ultimately about consistently delivering the same high quality and ensuring that it’s on time,“ says Christina. Christina believes that the key to success lies in asking two vital questions in the early stages of each project – ‘Can we fulfil the client’s wishes and can we meet their requirements?’ „This has given us both insight into who we are and the security of knowing what we do best .“
Listening, Assessing and Engaging.
Christina emphasises the importance of all parts of the business working together for optimal quality assurance.
“In recent years, we have become even better at involving all of the company’s departments in ensuring high quality. Increased collaboration between sales, purchasing, planning and production makes us more conscious of the questions we need to ask in order to get better at what we do. It has really increased the driving energy for us all to improve. “
Since 2004, Metalcolour in Denmark has been certified in quality management according to ISO 9001. ISO standards include analysis tools that the company benefits greatly from. These standards are continuously evolving and encourage Metalcolour to be attentive and implement changes that lead to improvement. The automotive industry requires the application of IATF 16949, a quality management system with the highest standards. Since Metalcolour supplies the automotive industry, these requirements must be met. It is of note that within this system there is a preventive module where risks are assessed to avoid errors that have not yet occurred.
A freezer full of colours
When it comes to products within the decorative segment of the company, color references play a vital role. The company has around 500 different color references stored in a freezer to maintain durability. The exact shade of colour is secured through measurement using highly sensitive technology and sometimes needs to be adjusted depending on the lighting conditions where the products are mounted. In addition, the lacquered plate can withstand being formed in different ways.
Staff Knowledge
„Coil Coating Specialist“ is printed on the staff’s work clothing and Christina believes that it cannot be emphasised enough how true this is.
“Our business is very niche and it takes time to learn the profession. I am so impressed by the expert team that runs our production line, they are extremely skilled. Good cooperation and trust are the foundations that make everything run well and ensures everyone feels good.“
Continuous progress.
Business conditions change constantly and Christina believes there is an inherent desire for the company to tirelessly adapt and develop. The requirements for consistent quality are extremely high and there is no indication they will decrease.
“This is one of the things I’m most proud of here at Metalcolour. Where we are today is thanks to the fact that we will always strive for improvement. We work hard to meet demands and secure quality, this makes the job dynamic and fun, Christina concludes.
