The Denton, Texas, production facility of Web Industries Inc. Aerospace has earned official accreditation from Nadcap (the National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program) covering composite cutting and kitting operations at the Denton facility. Nadcap is an industry-managed assessment organization that establishes standards and conducts audits of aerospace industry suppliers.

Denton becomes the second Web facility within a year to earn Nadcap approval, joining the company's Suwanee, Ga., plant. The official certification for Web-Denton is AC 7118 Rev E.

"Pursuing Nadcap accreditation required considerable effort and extensive preparations and placed heavy demands on Web-Denton's management and quality systems," says Brad Bacon, quality manager for Web Industries' composite cutting and kitting operations. "Completing this assessment successfully demonstrates that we provide our customers with world-class quality and service."

Team Approach

Web-Denton sought Nadcap accreditation to fulfill the requirements of a major aerospace OEM customer. A team of Denton employees was assigned the task of preparing for the on-site audit. Meeting regularly for many months, the employees reviewed a lengthy checklist of Nadcap requirements and identified areas of needed improvement. A month before the Nadcap audit, the team performed a self-audit of the Denton facility and submitted the results to Nadcap.

The official audit was conducted by an experienced Nadcap representative over the course of two days. It covered multiple plant practices and procedures, including employee training, the condition of plant equipment, and the receiving and storage of composite materials. The auditor observed two orders as they were being processed and questioned machine operators regarding quality issues and compliance with customer requirements.

"It was a challenge for the Web-Denton team to become familiar with the Nadcap auditing process and the rigor that is essential to earn accreditation," says Web's Brad Bacon. "The team was eager to learn and excited for the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to produce world-class aerospace products. The team's superior knowledge of our production processes received positive feedback from the Nadcap auditor."

Web-Denton obtained its Nadcap accreditation on September 18, 2018. It remains effective until October 31, 2019. According to Bacon, Web's Middlesex, Vt., facility is now in the process of seeking Nadcap accreditation for its composite ply cutting and kitting operation.