Pipeline Packaging brings an unparalleled dedication to continuous improvement and quality, including working only with high-performance suppliers, providing excellent customer service, and adhering to our ISO 9001:2015 quality certification (we recently passed another surveillance audit). So how do we achieve such a comprehensive commitment to packaging quality standards? It takes an intentional top-to-bottom approach.

In the early days of the Ford Motor Co., American industrialist and business magnate Henry Ford focused on multiple business concepts that stuck. Continuous improvement and quality were two of them, and they’re just as relevant today in the packaging industry as they were more than 100 years ago in the automotive business.

Today, with similar spirit that drove Ford to become an automaking legend, Pipeline Packaging’s commitment to continuous improvement and quality standards is making it a packaging legend. It’s driving our success and making us your most logical choice as a partner always looking out for your best interests.

Pipeline Packaging first earned ISO 9001:2015 certification in 2021 for our corporate office and Cleveland warehouse. And we’ve consistently passed surveillance and recertification audits with flying colors since then. Earlier this fall, we passed our most recent surveillance audit, which confirmed not only our commitment to quality but also our desire to continue getting better.

Pipeline Packaging’s Continuous Improvement Manager Liz Walker and Quality Specialist Ethan Manubay were instrumental members of the team that engineered our surveillance audit success.

Preparation for the surveillance audit was made easier in that we operate in accordance with ISO guidelines and quality principles in our daily operations, with ongoing daily monitoring and documentation updates.

“We take quality very seriously every day, not just during our ISO audits,” said Manubay. “Quality is an ongoing, company-wide responsibility.”

While only the corporate office and Cleveland warehouse are ISO certified, Manubay said all of Pipeline Packaging’s warehouses operate under the same quality management system.

Everyone, Every Day

“Our philosophy when it comes to continuous improvement is … ‘Everyone, every day.’” said Walker. “At Pipeline Packaging, getting better at what we do, including quality, is everyone’s responsibility.”

Walker added that it’s easy for customers to see that Pipeline Packaging is committed to improving.

“Our quality team reports into our continuous improvement team,” said Walker. “When it comes to quality packaging standards, and every aspect of our business, we’re committed to getting better every day for our customers.”

Pipeline listens intently to customer needs from the very beginning to ensure timely delivery of what they want and need. Pipeline also has undertaken additional efforts recently, including a customer experience initiative, ongoing training, and a customer survey to enhance quality and service across the organization.

About ISO 9001:2015

We hear a lot about ISO 9001:2015 certification. But what exactly does it entail? The certification specifies requirements for a quality management system when an organization:

1. Needs to demonstrate its ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, and

2. Aims to enhance customer satisfaction through the effective application of the system, including processes for improvement of the system and the assurance of conformity to customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

Always looking ahead, Pipeline also has eyes on achieving certification to the upcoming ISO 9001:2026 quality standard. This new standard features a few alterations from ISO 9001:2015 certification, including climate change, digitalization management, and other new considerations. Pipeline will undergo another ISO 9001:2015 surveillance audit in 2027 and an ISO 9001:2026 certification audit in 2028.

Pipeline Packaging’s commitment to ISO certification emphasizes our dedication to continuous improvement, quality performance and products, and dedication to service excellence.

We aim to surpass customer expectations in quality, efficiency, and regulatory compliance, ensuring we precisely meet our customers’ specific needs.

Peace of Mind

Manubay said there are many benefits to focusing on continuous improvement and quality packaging standards, not the least of which is providing customers with peace of mind.

“Customers feel comfortable working with Pipeline Packaging knowing that we regularly get audited by a third-party and we pass with flying colors without any major issues,” he said. “This gives them a good sense of the quality of business we run.”

He added that the Pipeline Packaging quality team doesn’t wait for official external ISO audits to be sure procedures are being followed properly. There’s also an annual internal ISO audit to ensure compliance, and findings are reported to the team.

Walker said that this commitment starts at the top and consistently flows through the entire Pipeline Packaging workforce.

“Continuous improvement, dependable products, and outstanding customer service help make Pipeline Packaging stand out,” said Walker. “These are priorities fully supported and led by management.”

The fact that Pipeline Packaging is an employee-owned company means all its Good People at the Core share — and follow through with — that commitment.

That internal commitment spreads to Pipeline Packaging’s external partners as well. We work with more than 400 global packaging manufacturers and suppliers, who also practice the packaging quality standards we preach. And the same holds true for all external Pipeline Packaging partners.

MyPipeline Increases Customers’ Visibility

Pipeline Packaging is consistently working to implement new features and benefits to enhance service to our customers.

Manubay referenced the launch of Pipeline’s new customer portal, which helps customers track order history and easily reorder previously ordered items. One click of the My Inventory feature of the MyPipeline dashboard spells out exactly what’s in stock and what might need to be reordered.

And it’s more than just inventory. Pipeline Packaging customers can register online or through a dedicated customer service representative so you can view information such as order history, previous invoices, and current pricing lists through a personalized dashboard that updates according to today’s market trends and your previous buying history.

So, if you’re ready to work with the packaging distributor committed to continuous improvement and the top packaging quality standards … contact us. Start a conversation with the best packaging company that stands ready to keep getting better at serving your specific needs. We’ll help your company become a legend in your industry, too.