Shenley Technical Centre, UK / 4 September 2023 – Helix, UK manufacturer of the world’s most power-dense electric motors and inverters, is pleased to announce the award of IATF 16949:2016 certification for motor and inverter automotive production programmes at its Milton Keynes Technical Centre and Flexible Manufacturing Facility. The two-year roadmap to compliance culminated in certification being granted in June 2023 and is a key enabler in the substantial business growth in higher volume programmes enabled by the 2022 launch of Helix’s Scaleable Core Technology platform architecture.
IATF (International Automotive Task Force) 16949:2016 is a global quality standard adhered to by automotive manufactures and their supply chains. It sets out how businesses should be managed to ensure the quality of their output and ensures their ability to supply original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). With the award of IATF 16949:2016, Helix is looking forward to bringing its unique electric motor and inverter technologies to larger volume customers.
IATF 16949:2016 certification is awarded for a period of three years, after which certificate holders are subject to a BSI recertification audit. In the meantime, an internal audit process and annual BSI surveillance audit provide assurance that the company maintains its own high standards and the requirements of the standard defined by IATF 16949. The standard also requires Helix to run a level of validation with its supply chain, ensuring quality standards are met using a core set of tools and processes. Helix also anticipates that other companies, including OEMs, may audit its processes for IATF 16949 compliance at any time.
Helix Chief Manufacturing Officer Richard Smith says, “Helix already operated to the required standard and now that standard is influencing our future planning. As it becomes more embedded in what we do, we’re building the requirements of the standard into our thinking for the future while we continue expanding our volume production capability.”
Helix Quality Systems Manager, Fulvia Levino says: “Work on the two-stage IATF certification process began in 2020 and involved complying with BSI certification planning as well as creating a ‘roadmap’ for IATF compliance. BSI issued the IATF 16949 certificate in June 2023 and it means that every Helix automotive production programme will now be completed to the global industry standard.”
About Helix
Helix engineers and manufacturers the world’s most power-dense motors and complementary inverters for demanding aerospace, automotive, industrial, marine and racing applications. Its unique Scalable Core Technology and Flexible Manufacturing Facility ensure straightforward access to the most powerful, compact, efficient electric powertrains on the market. Scalable Core Technology is delivered through three strategic Product Levels, while the cycle of electric innovation begun by Integral Powertrain’s founders 15 years ago continues with X-Division, an advanced technology development group.
Helix was launched out of Integral Powertrain’s Integral e-Drive division as a new corporate brand in 2022. Including a new website and logo, Helix aligns with the strategic transformation from consultant to full-service supplier of premium electric powertrains and marks another major milestone in the evolution of the organisation. Helix is investing and gearing up as a technology-driven global company, targeting new markets and sectors.
