INDUSTRY NEWS
VERTIK-AL secures GSB Quality Seal
Vertik-Al is proud to announce that it has once again secured the GSB Quality Seal for Approved Coater Aluminium , achieving Master status .
The Birmingham-based powder coating specialist remains the only applicator in the UK and Ireland to hold the quality seal and has done so for over 27 years , since 1994 .
GSB International awards quality seals in different levels of quality . Recipients are tested annually for adherence to the prescribed quality requirements . Vertik-Al met the demands of GSB AL631-5 for aluminium coating companies .
The annual audit checks all parts of the powder coating process including , pretreatment , coating , stoving parameters and final testing . The coated items are then put through a rigorous testing regime which includes mechanical testing , pressure cooking and acetic acid salt spraying ( AASS ) testing . The finished coating must also be of the correct appearance , thickness and gloss level .
Vertik-Al is also subject to two further unannounced tests each year .
“ Not knowing when the audit might happen means that we continuously strive to sustain the standard set by GSB ,” comments John Park-Davies , managing director of Vertik-Al . “ This keeps us focused and vigilant , ensuring that the process is optimised , setting a high benchmark .
“ We are very pleased to have maintained our high standards during this challenging period and attain the quality seal for a 27th consecutive year . This year ’ s audit has been particularly challenging due to the restrictions , with elements moving online and a degree of self-audit . This experience , however , has led to a greater appreciation of the audit process , and we have become more self-critical .”
To further strengthen the company ’ s credentials as a excellent powder coater , Vertik-Al ’ s Technical Manager Tristan Pope successfully completed and passed the GSB online training course in June .
The course addressed theoretical knowledge on the GSB International and quality guidelines , coater examination , and properties and corrosion behaviour of aluminium in the architectural field . Vertik-Al believes Pope to be the only person in the UK to achieve this certificate .
“ Being the only powder coater in the UK to hold the GSB quality seal is a badge of honour , and it gives us the edge over our competitors . Tristan ’ s achievement strengthens our position further still .
“ Quality seals give architects and specifiers confidence in the quality and safety of aluminium as a coated material . In demonstrating compliance , customers know they can trust our coatings to last for many years .
Vertik-Al also holds the QUALICOAT quality label . To retain both quality seals Vertik-Al must open its doors to scrutiny at least four times a year , making it one of the most dependable applicators in the UK .
Vertik-Al has a shared history with GSB with the current manufacturing site on Yardley Brook Industrial Estate in Birmingham being officially opened by the President of GSB International and the Mayor of Birmingham in 1994 – coincidentally , the same year that Vertik-Al first achieved the GSB Quality Seal .
Vertik-Al is also proud to be a member of the Aluminium Federation ( ALFED ), the secretariat for QUALICOAT UK & Ireland .
Telephone : 0121 608 7171 Email : info @ vertik-al . com Visit : www . vertik-al . com
22 SEPTEMBER 2021 twitter : @ surfaceworldmag