We are excited to share that Stewart Technology is officially working towards AS9100 certification – the internationally recognised quality management standard for the aerospace and defence industry.
This is a significant milestone for us and one that reflects our long-standing commitment to continuous improvement and our ambition to expand into the high-value aerospace and defence sectors. In this blog we want to share the story behind this decision, what AS9100 actually means and what it signals for the future of Stewart Technology.
Our Quality Journey - 25 Years of Continued Improvement
Stewart Technology was founded in 1998 and from the very beginning, quality has been at the heart of everything we do. Our certification journey reflects that commitment –
1999 – ISO 9001
We achieved ISO 9001 certification just one year after founding and were one of the first electronics contract manufacturers in Scotland to do so. ISO 9001 is the internationally recognised standard for quality management systems and achieving it in our first year set the tone for how we would operate for decades to come. We have maintained this certification continuously ever since, undergoing regular surveillance audits to ensure our processes remain at the highest standard.
2022 – ISO 13485
In 2022 we achieved ISO 13485 certification – the specific quality management standard for the medical device supply chain. This is a major milestone that opened the door to the MedTech sector and demonstrated our ability to meet the rigorous documentation, traceability and risk management requirements that medical device manufacturing demands. Since then we have worked with a growing number of medical device companies, building products where quality is literally a matter of life and death.
Now – AS9100 (In Progress)
The next step on our journey is AS9100 and we are firmly on the path to achieving it.
What is AS9100 and Why Does it Matter?
AS9100 is the quality management system standard specifically developed for the aerospace and defence industry. It is based on ISO 9001 but goes slightly further, adding additional requirements around risk management, first article inspection, key characteristics and the specific documentation and traceability demands of aerospace and defence programmes.
For customers in these sectors, AS9100 is not optional and it is typically a mandatory requirement for any supplier in the aerospace and defence supply chain – from Tier 1 prime contractors down to the electronics manufacturers who build the boards that go into their products.
Achieving AS9100 means –
Our quality management system meets the specific requirements of the aerospace and defence supply chain
Our processes for documentation, traceability, change control and risk management meet the demands of safety-critical programmes
We can demonstrate to aerospace and defence customers that we are a qualified, audited and trusted manufacturing partner
We are positioned to support AS9100 certified customers as a compliant supplier in their regulated supply chain
Why Aerospace and Defence?
Aerospace and defence is one of the most demanding and rewarding sectors in electronics manufacturing. The products that operate in these environments need to perform reliably in extreme conditions, meet the most rigorous quality standards in the world and be supported by meticulous documentation throughout their entire lifecycle.
At Stewart Technology we already have significant experience building electronics for demanding environments – from ATEX certified hazardous area equipment to safety-critical medical devices and security systems. The disciplines we have developed across these sectors – rigorous inspection, full traceability, controlled change management and comprehensive documentation – are directly transferable to aerospace and defence.
We have also been actively building relationships with companies in the aerospace and defence sector and the feedback has been consistent – AS9100 certification is the key that unlocks the door to these conversations.
What This Means for Our Existing Customers
Our existing customers should see this as further evidence of our commitment to quality and continuous improvement. The disciplines and processes required for AS9100 certification will strengthen our quality management system across the board benefitting every customer, in every sector, regardless of whether their products are destined for aerospace and defence applications.
Our ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 certifications remain fully in place and continue to be maintained to the highest standard. AS9100 builds on these foundations, rather than replacing them.
What Happens Next?
We’re currently working through the gap analysis and implementation process required to achieve AS9100 certification. This involves reviewing and enhancing our existing quality management system, implementing additional processes where required and preparing for a formal audit.
We will keep our customers, partners and followers updated on our progress throughout this journey. We expect to be in a position to share further updates in the coming months.
If you are an aerospace or defence company looking for an electronics contract manufacturer who is actively working towards AS9100 certification and already holds ISO 9001 and ISO 13485, we would love to have a conversation.
