2006 Media Releases & Alerts
NAHB Research Center Launches New Third-Party Product Certification Program for
OSB Manufacturers
Product Certification and Quality Management Program Brings Market New
Opportunity to Optimize Performance and Improve Quality of Engineered Wood
Products
January 12, 2006, Orlando, Fla. - Today, during the 2006 International
Builders' Show, the NAHB Research Center proudly announced the launch of its
new third-party product certification program for Oriented Strand Board (OSB)
manufacturers. The program is designed to satisfy building code and product
standards for a third-party inspection and testing agency to provide oversight
of OSB manufacturers' product quality. The Research Center licenses its
certified product mark to participating manufacturer's who have developed,
implemented, and maintained a Quality Management System (QMS) based on ISO
9001-2000 standard as verified by periodic quality system audits as well as
product testing by the Research Center's experts. Weyerhaeuser, an industry
leader in the wood products arena, recently became the the first NAHB Research
Center Certified OSB manufacturer through the program.
The Research Center has an unrivaled depth of understanding of the home building
industry and is a recognized and trusted name in product testing and
certification. The launch of this new third-party OSB product certification
program is another step toward fulfilling the Research Center's mission to
improve the quality, durability, and affordability of homes and home building
products. The Research Center's laboratory is accredited by the International
Accreditation Service (IAS), an independent subsidiary of the International
Code Council, as both a test laboratory and as an inspection agency. Having
conducted product testing and certification for years, the scope of the
Research Center's IAS accreditation was recently expanded to include OSB
product testing and inspection. The Research Center's laboratory capabilities
include testing of materials and structural systems and auditing and
certification of quality management systems.
NAHB Research Center president, Michael Luzier said, "We're excited about
bringing this new program to the market and expanding our ability to provide
the residential construction industry with solutions that optimize performance,
reduce product failures, and improve quality and customer satisfaction. When
builders see our certified mark on a manufacturer's product, they are confident
that they're making a product selection that meets building code requirements
or exceeds the prescribed industry standard. Realizing that an ISO-approved QMS
fosters consistency and provides manufacturing efficiencies, having that as one
of our program's requirements adds value for the participating manufacturers by
minimizing disruption at the plant during the audit process."
Manufacturers seeking certification must develop and implement a QMS program
based on ISO 9001-2000, that is audited by the Research Center to ensure the
product meets or exceeds recognized industry standards and applicable customer
requirements. Continuous improvement is essential to improving customer
satisfaction and a key component of all Research Center certification programs.
Certified manufacturers undergo periodic audits of their quality system and
records to verify consistency and compliance. Random sampling and testing is
part of each audit. All OSB products certified through the Research Center's
program must be compliant to "Voluntary Product Standard PS2-04 Performance
Standard for Wood-Based Structural-Use Panels" published by NIST and included
in all model building codes.
Bill Blount, structural panels strategic product manager for Weyerhaeuser said,
"Weyerhaeuser Structurwood has aligned with the NAHB Research Center for
certification because the NAHB represents our end user, the builder. Continuing
a strong relationship, Weyerhaeuser and NAHB have a common perspective toward
the marketplace. Weyerhaeuser will continue to ensure the quality of
Structurwood products and the integrity of our engineering and manufacturing
processes."
The OSB certification is open to all manufacturers that meet program
requirements. The Research Center does not provide product endorsements, or a
guarantee of a product's performance. The certified mark is a symbol of
quality, and of a company's ongoing commitment to continual process improvement
and customer satisfaction. Quality-focused OSB manufacturers interested in
starting on the path to certification can call Bob Hill, director of laboratory
and certification programs at (800) 638-8556 ext. 6244, or
contact us via email.
01/06
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