The HEX Group Case Study
The HEX Group has become a trusted name in Stafford, UK over the past 40 years.
With a dedicated workforce of nearly 500 individuals, The HEX Group stands out for their diverse array of services, including the custom design, manufacturing, procurement, supply, and fitting of commercial fleet storage and livery solutions.
The company also excels in powder coating processing and manufacturing precision fabrications for numerous industries.
In 2022, The HEX Group consolidated their organisational structure with six divisions:
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Bri-Stor Systems – the UK’s largest provider of commercial fleet conversion solutions.
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Alpha Manufacturing – sheet metal design, manufacture, and integrated engineering.
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Atlas Coating – powder coating technology for heavy engineering, construction and more.
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HEX Graphics – large-scale graphics projects, from vehicle rebranding to wall wraps.
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HEX Living – premium-quality, UK-manufactured outdoor storage solutions and furniture.
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HEX Careers – recruiting top talent for The HEX Group, focusing on five core principles.
Keep reading to learn more about The HEX Group’s ongoing commitment to ISO standards.
Sticking to the standards with NQA
The HEX Group achieved their first ISO standard in 2001, though the success didn’t stop there.
According to The HEX Group’s EHS & Sustainability Manager, Darren Bates: “We value the relationship with NQA that has built up over a long period. Their customer service is excellent.”
Today, the company has an integrated management system (IMS) for the following standards:
ISO 9001 (Quality Management) – achieved in June 2001
“ISO 9001 allows The HEX Group to ensure their internal processes and finished goods conform to a high standard of quality and customer satisfaction.”
ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) – achieved in February 2009
“The HEX Group has a duty to protect the environment and future generations. We have set a goal to become carbon neutral by 2037.”
ISO 45001 (Health & Safety Management) – achieved in January 2021
“The HEX Group achieved OHSAS 18001 in 2018, migrating it to ISO 45001 three years later. Our employees are key in everything we do, which is why The HEX Group provides a safe place to work while meeting our legal obligations.”
Thanks to their IMS, The HEX Group benefits from fewer assessor days (and therefore lower costs).
A seamless process of internal and external auditing
Preparing for each audit at The HEX Group is typically a smooth process, given the 20-plus years of ISO certification.
The company also has trained internal auditors, meaning they:
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Understand what the assessor would expect to see;
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Have added insight to fill out the NQA gap analysis.
Once The HEX Group is audit-ready, it’s time for Terry Fisher (Principal Assessor for Occupational Health and Safety) to visit.
“Terry Fisher is our assessor, qualified to carry out a combined ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 audit. He is perfect for The HEX Group because we have assessor consistency and a reduction in the number of audit days.”
The HEX Group’s level of knowledge makes them a shining example of auditing best practices.
The benefits of a certified IMS
Internally, the company has reduced defects (ISO 9001), waste (ISO 14001) and accidents (ISO 45001). Their operations have grown with a new manufacturing facility, additional product lines, and an expanded customer base.
Customers and stakeholders are confident that The HEX Group’s processes and products meet their demands. In turn, this confidence has made The HEX Group a preferred supplier within their industry sector.
An NQA-certified IMS allows The HEX Group and their divisions to never stop improving.
Final thoughts from NQA
NQA is delighted to work in partnership with The HEX Group, a company that continues to advance with the support of ISO 9001 (Quality), ISO 14001 (Environment) and ISO 45001 (Health & Safety).
Thinking of getting certified with NQA, or looking to transfer? Speak to our friendly ISO experts.
If you aren’t sure which ISO standard is best for you, don’t worry. Browse all your options here.
Download a PDF version of The Hex Group's case study here.
