JIOS Aerogel, a manufacturer of silica aerogel powder, has secured the first certification of its automotive quality management system (QMS) for its Singapore-based operations. The international certification body, TÜV SÜD, awarded the ISO 9001 certificate to JIOS for its Thermal Blade® plant and Innovation Centre. This certification is a crucial step towards achieving the automotive standard, IATF 16949.
The aerogels provide an ultra-thin insulation layer between battery cells, offering exceptional thermal protection at high temperatures. JIOS, headquartered in Singapore, was founded in 2013 to pioneer a new process that lowers the cost of aerogel production. The company aims to accelerate the adoption of aerogels to improve the safety and performance of electric-vehicle (EV) batteries.
JIOS Aerogel selected Singapore as the inaugural site for its automotive component manufacturing facility, supported by its Innovation Centre, established in 2020. This facility is dedicated to producing the company’s Thermal Blade® technology, which provides thermal protection for battery cells.
IOS has engaged QAS-Company AG (QAS), a quality management consulting firm based in Munich, Germany, to support its certification to the automotive standard IATF 16949. QAS is working closely with WAY Business Solutions GmbH, who serve as JIOS’ project manager, to provide comprehensive support for the planning and execution of JIOS Aerogel’s manufacturing facilities across both Asia and Europe.
Mark Woodruff, Operations Director at JIOS Aerogel, stated, “We are delighted to have successfully achieved the first QMS certification for our state-of-the-art Thermal Blade® plant, situated in Singapore’s Jurong industrial precinct. This marks a pivotal milestone as we embark on the commissioning of our fully automated production lines, dedicated to enhancing the safety and performance of electric vehicle batteries.”
James Yen, Senior Quality Manager at JIOS, emphasised the significance of ISO certification for their Singapore sites, marking a vital initial step in their journey towards achieving certification to the automotive standard, IATF 16949. Yen further underscored the rationale behind their selection of TÜV SÜD for auditing and certification, citing their “extensive track record and reputation within the automotive industry as decisive factors in their appointment.”
Alexander Blab, Chairman of the Board at QAS-Company AG, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration. He stated, “We are thrilled to be part of JIOS Aerogel’s journey to expand their management system and achieve certification to IATF 16949. Our team is delighted to contribute our extensive expertise and insights in automotive certification, assisting JIOS in introducing their groundbreaking technology to the rapidly growing electric vehicle components market.”
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