The Filter Factory

A small "Mom and Pop" assembler of paper and foam filters. Their filtering technology is basic industry STANDARD (Paper, Non Woven Activated Charcoal, Charged Foil). We requested a quote in 2018, and gave this team a second try with a RFQ in 2020. Our on site visit in 2018 of the mfg operations revealed: -A very "Manual" assembly process -Very dated test lab with no documented process or manual -Very old equipment with visible "adhoc" repairs; -No documented production system

Significant gaps with the quality/ safety reporting; -Owner (Jenny I recall?) had no technical knowledge and could not understand the filter technology in our RFQ, -Several CalOSHA workplace safety violation notices up in break area, -Workers with no PPE exposed to hazardous materials (solvents/vapors/activated charcoal dust/release agents) -No Recycle Systems/Programs (wont take used filters back or provide safe disposal procedures or recycle locations); -Very messy/cluttered production areas/We saw No/Little Housekeeping, -No ISO 9000 or 14000 Certification. Their main selling point is Price with No Terms, Owner (Jenny) requires full payment up front with No Terms. Lastly, owner could not guarantee delivery dates.

Significant gaps with the quality/ safety reporting; -Owner (Jenny I recall?) had no technical knowledge and could not understand the filter technology in our RFQ, -Several CalOSHA workplace safety violation notices up in break area, -Workers with no PPE exposed to hazardous materials (solvents/vapors/activated charcoal dust/release agents) -No Recycle Systems/Programs (wont take used filters back or provide safe disposal procedures or recycle locations); -Very messy/cluttered production areas/We saw No/Little Housekeeping, -No ISO 9000 or 14000 Certification. Their main selling point is Price with No Terms, Owner (Jenny) requires full payment up front with No Terms. Lastly, owner could not guarantee delivery dates.