By implementing ISO 9001:2015 requirements into its quality system, Hawkeye Fabrication strengthened internal processes, expanded market opportunities, and positioned the company for continued growth.
Company Overview
Founded in 1998 and located in Ida Grove, Iowa, Hawkeye Fabrication is a manufacturer specializing in fabricated steel bridges and railings. With 12 employees, the company serves customers who depend on precision, durability, and consistent quality.
Situation
As Hawkeye Fabrication looked to grow, customers increasingly required alignment with ISO 9001:2015 quality standards as a condition of doing business. Without a system aligned to ISO requirements, the company faced limitations in pursuing new markets and expanding sales opportunities.
Implementing ISO methodologies required structured training, documentation, and system development — a new and complex process for the organization.
Solution
CIRAS facilitated the connection between Hawkeye Fabrication and NorthStar Quality, a third-party resource specializing in quality systems implementation. Beyond making the introduction, CIRAS guided the project to completion, helping ensure milestones were met and timelines stayed on track.
To further support the effort, CIRAS helped the company leverage Iowa’s 260F employee training funds, significantly reducing the cost of training both new and current employees during the implementation process.
Working with NorthStar, Hawkeye Fabrication integrated ISO 9001:2015 requirements into its quality management system, strengthening documentation and standardization practices.
“CIRAS and NorthStar Quality have been great to work with,” said Jared Bogue of Hawkeye Fabrication. “Very flexible, accommodating, and willing to walk us through the process, which was new to us. Great service!”
Results
By aligning its quality system with ISO 9001:2015 requirements, Hawkeye Fabrication enhanced operational consistency and strengthened its ability to pursue new business opportunities.
The project resulted in:
- $250,000 in increased sales
- $50,000 in plant and equipment investment
- $10,000 in information systems investment
- 2 new jobs created
- 10 jobs retained
In total, the engagement generated $310,000 in economic impact.
Through this work, Hawkeye Fabrication built a stronger foundation for growth, improving internal systems while positioning the company to compete more effectively in a demanding marketplace.
Contact Ben Drescher to learn more about how implementing ISO systems can help your company grow.