ISO 9001 Certification Scranton PA 

The Business Culture in Scranton PA

Scranton, Pennsylvania, has a business culture rooted in its rich history, blue-collar work ethic, and evolving economy. Known as the “Electric City,” Scranton has transitioned from its industrial roots into a more diverse economy while maintaining a strong sense of community and resilience. Here are the key aspects of Scranton’s business culture:

1. A Heritage of Hard Work

Scranton’s business culture is heavily influenced by its historical foundation in coal mining, railroads, and manufacturing. This heritage has instilled a strong work ethic and a sense of pride among its residents. Businesses here value dedication, reliability, and long-term relationships, creating a culture that rewards persistence and loyalty.

2. Resilience and Adaptability

Over the decades, Scranton has experienced significant economic shifts, particularly with the decline of its traditional industries. The city has shown resilience by diversifying its economy to include healthcare, education, logistics, and technology. Businesses in Scranton are often adaptive and open to innovation, reflecting the community’s ability to navigate challenges and seize new opportunities.

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3. Small Business and Entrepreneurship

Small businesses are the backbone of Scranton’s economy. Family-owned shops, restaurants, and service providers are prominent, contributing to the city’s charm and close-knit community feel. Local entrepreneurs are increasingly opening niche businesses, such as craft breweries, artisanal food producers, and specialty stores, tapping into both local and visitor markets.

What is ISO 9001?

ISO 9001 is an internationally recognized quality management system standard that helps businesses ensure that their products and services meet customer expectations and comply with regulatory requirements. To obtain ISO 9001 certification, a business must undergo a rigorous auditing process that assesses its quality management system and confirms that it meets the standard’s requirements.

Manufacturing in Scranton, PA

Scranton, Pennsylvania, has a long-standing history of manufacturing, transitioning from its traditional roots in coal mining and steel production to a more diversified range of industries. Today, the manufacturing sector in Scranton includes companies specializing in various fields, from traditional industries to advanced manufacturing and niche markets. Here’s an overview of the types of manufacturers in Scranton:

1. Metal Fabrication and Steel Products

• • Industry Roots: Building on its industrial heritage, Scranton remains a hub for metalworking and steel-related manufacturing.
  • Products: Steel structures, custom metal parts, industrial machinery components, and rail-related products.
  • Notable Companies: Many metal fabrication shops serve industries such as construction, transportation, and energy.

2. Plastics and Polymers

• • Growth Area: Scranton has seen an increase in manufacturers specializing in plastic and polymer products.
  • Products: Injection-molded parts, packaging materials, and custom plastic components for automotive, consumer goods, and medical devices.

3. Food and Beverage Manufacturing

• • Local Specialties: The region is home to manufacturers producing packaged foods, baked goods, and beverages.
  • Products: Snack foods, frozen meals, craft beverages (e.g., beer and spirits), and specialty ethnic foods.
  • Notable Companies: Local and regional brands that distribute products across the Northeast.

4. Transportation and Automotive Components

• • Industry Focus: Scranton manufacturers produce parts for the automotive and transportation industries, leveraging its historical ties to railroads.
  • Products: Precision-engineered parts, vehicle interiors, and specialty equipment for rail and road transport.

5. Medical Device and Healthcare Equipment Manufacturing

• • High-Growth Sector: The presence of major healthcare providers in the area drives demand for medical device manufacturing.
  • Products: Surgical instruments, diagnostic equipment, and disposable medical supplies.
  • Opportunities: Partnerships with local hospitals and universities to support innovation.

6. Advanced Manufacturing and Technology

• • Modern Growth: Advanced manufacturing is growing in Scranton, with companies integrating robotics, 3D printing, and automated systems.
  • Products: Precision instruments, aerospace components, and electronics.
  • Support Systems: Collaboration with tech-focused organizations and educational institutions helps fuel this sector.

7. Building Materials and Construction Products

• • Established Industry: Given its proximity to growing urban and suburban areas, Scranton supports manufacturers of construction materials.
  • Products: Precast concrete, roofing materials, insulation, and wood products.
  • Regional Demand: Supplies for infrastructure and housing development.

8. Paper and Packaging

• • Legacy Industry: Scranton’s history in industrial manufacturing includes a strong presence of paper and packaging companies.
  • Products: Corrugated boxes, custom packaging solutions, and paper products for commercial use.

9. Chemical and Specialty Manufacturing

• • Niche Focus: Chemical and specialty manufacturers create products for industrial, agricultural, and consumer markets.
  • Products: Adhesives, coatings, specialty chemicals, and cleaning agents.
  • Applications: These products support various industries, including automotive, construction, and healthcare.

10. Energy and Environmental Products

• • Emerging Sector: With a focus on sustainability, some manufacturers in Scranton produce products for the renewable energy sector.
  • Products: Solar panel components, energy-efficient systems, and environmentally friendly materials.

Support for Manufacturing in Scranton

• • Economic Development: Organizations like the Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO) and the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce support manufacturers with resources, grants, and workforce development.
  • Skilled Workforce: Proximity to technical schools and colleges provides a steady pipeline of skilled workers.
  • Logistics Advantage: Scranton’s location along major transportation routes (I-81, I-84, and I-476) makes it an ideal base for manufacturers with regional and national distribution needs.

What are the steps to Obtaining ISO 9001 Certification?

Step 1: Create a Quality Management System (QMS)

To obtain ISO 9001 Certification, the initial step is to create a Quality Management System (QMS) that meets the standard’s requirements. This involves identifying the essential processes and procedures necessary to manage the organization’s operations and improve quality control. The processes and procedures must be documented and customized to suit the organization’s specific needs.

Step 2: Implement the QMS

The next step is to implement the QMS throughout the organization, including training employees on new processes and procedures and integrating the QMS into the overall business processes. This ensures that the QMS functions effectively.

Step 3: Perform an Internal Audit

Before seeking certification, an internal audit must be conducted to ensure that the QMS is functioning effectively. This includes reviewing processes and procedures to identify any areas needing improvement and making necessary changes.

Step 4: Select a Certification Body

Finally, an accredited certification body needs to be selected to conduct a thorough external audit to verify that the QMS meets ISO 9001 standards. Choosing the right certification body is crucial to ensure a comprehensive and successful certification audit.

“Fantastic. Very informative for a new company like Humming Bird Industrial Supply. You totally understood our situation and walked us through each section slow enough so that we could understand this process.”

Mickey M, Hummingbird Industrial Supply – PA

Small City Charm

Scranton, Pennsylvania, offers a lifestyle that blends small-city charm, historical roots, and modern amenities. Known for its affordability, the city boasts a cost of living lower than the national average. Housing is particularly accessible, with options ranging from historic homes in quiet, tree-lined neighborhoods to modern apartments and suburban developments. This makes Scranton an appealing choice for families, young professionals, and retirees looking for a comfortable and cost-effective place to live.

Scranton’s Community Atmosphere

Community is at the heart of Scranton’s lifestyle. The city has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, fostering a sense of belonging among its residents. Festivals, parades, and local events, such as the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, are popular and bring the community together. These gatherings provide ample opportunities for socializing and celebrating Scranton’s heritage and culture.

Coal Mining and Railroad History

Scranton’s rich cultural heritage is deeply rooted in its coal mining and railroad history. This legacy is preserved and celebrated in places like the Steamtown National Historic Site, which offers an immersive look at the city’s industrial past. The diverse population adds to Scranton’s vibrancy, infusing the city with a mix of traditions, cuisines, and celebrations that reflect its multicultural identity.

“CORE was tremendously helpful in readying our organization to undergo the ISO certification process. We were seeking accreditation to three standards, 9001, 14001 and 45001 which we accomplished in only about 7 months for a medium sized company. CORE handled many things for us including selecting a registrar, leading management reviews, conducting internal audits and providing support for questions that came up during both the Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits. We are very happy with CORE and would recommend them to anyone wishing to undergo the certification process.”

Jessie M, BioSafe Systems – PA

“Working with Core Business Solutions and Norm Verbeck has been amazing!! We are extremely pleased with the service they provided along with the fact that they took time to educate us on the ISO standards and requirements. We couldn’t have chosen a better partner to assist us during this journey!”

Felicia G, Tripak Industries

ISO 9001 Certification Scranton, PA