Our Quality Systems
Building in NZ is no guarantee of quality. In a 2016 BRANZ research paper, 89% of all new homes built in New Zealand had a defect. Compare this with Toyota’s off-shore precision factory manufacturing facilities that target less than 1 defect per 300,000 vehicles.
Delivering a quality product does not happen by chance – it needs to be made an absolute priority. Our Production facility runs a world class ISO 9001 Quality Management System that goes well beyond just the Council mandated inspections. We run a 55-stage Quality Assurance program that covers all aspects of production; from the receipting in of raw componentry through to packing the modules securely for damage-free shipment to site.
Precison Computerised Assembly Jig
PRECISION EQUIPMENT
A key advantage of mass production is the ability to use specialist equipment to deliver repeatable and reliable quality. House-sized mechanically controlled jigs and automated welding equipment can achieve tolerances measured in millimetres; achieving a level of precision that’s almost impossible to replicate on a building site.
QC Inspector reviewing Inspection Test Plans for a module
INDIVDUAL MODULE TRACKING
Throughout production, modules are individually tracked as part of an exhaustive Quality Management process. Internal systems prevent staff on one station starting work on a module until the previous station’s QC checks have been fully completed and signed off. Hard copies of QC documentation follow a module around the factory while soft copies (including videos and photos) are kept on the central computer server. Together these form the “Document Pack” that are used confirm the modules are fully compliant.
NDT testing of a structural weld
INDEPENDENT INSPECTIONS
Independent test specialists, SGS, provide independent 3rd party inspections and auditing of the factory’s Quality Management processes. This includes independent lab testing of raw materials, paints, welds and componentry.
Particular care is given to ensuring the steel supplied to the factory is exactly as per the build specification. The Steel is sourced back to the supplying mill and the mill certificates carefully checked.
Fire test conducted on Ecotech Panels at over 1000 degrees centigrade
LAB TESTING
To gain NZ certification, ECOTECH uses independent testing laboratories to certify that our components and system meets tough NZ and international safety standards.
Pictured is the fire rating test that was run in August 2018 and witnessed by representatives from Housing NZ. The wall system is subjected to 1000 degree furnace temperatures for 1 hour. The results of this test confirm our modules provide occupants with a minimum of 1 hour fire protection – meeting NZ fire standards.
Water testing modules
FINAL TESTING
Before any modules leaves the factory, it goes through a battery of final tests.
Customers (or their appointed agents) are also given the opportunity to fully inspect every aspect of the module. Shipment is only authorised once the customer issues us with a pre-shipment approval certificate confirming the module fully meets the order specifications.
What to know more?
To see a step step breakdown of our production process take a virtual tour of our production facilily